By Johnson Kanyesige
Graduands in teaching profession have been mobilized to upgrade their studies as the ministry of education and sports embarks on a plan to have more qualified teachers in different schools across the country.
Eng Joseph Kikomeko Muzeeyi, the Commissioner in charge of Teacher Education Training and Development and TVET trainers training research and innovation at the ministry says they are now on the move to ensure only more qualified teachers at the level of degrees are in the schools exhibiting interest and the required competences in the profession once the new reforms get enrolled.
He made the remarks while officiating at the graduation ceremony of 500 students at Bulera core primary teachers’ college on Thursday held at the college premises. The students graduated upon completing certificates in early child hood education and community child care programs for the years 2019 to 2021.
Kikomeko says among the reforms initiated by the government is Uganda National Teachers Education (UNTE) which became into existence on July 5, 2024 and now awaiting operationalization. He added Bulera among other colleges will now turn into a teacher training institution and not just a college under the new reforms training Diploma students offering education courses.
He also revealed under the new reforms after obtaining a qualification from the university for three years in Bachelors of Education, a teacher who is interested in carrying on the profession will undergo a one-year internship in a bid to effectively prepare them for their activities.
He says the program for internship is being worked out by the ministry and some teachers will be placed in different coordinating centers which will be set up across the country including Bulera primary teachers’ college.
Moreen Asiimwe inspector of school Hoima district told graduands that graduation is not an end but a new beginning urging them to use the knowledge and skills acquired to shape the minds of the young generation in the society.
Asiimwe tasked the graduands to prioritize their roles as educators, mentors guides and role models to the young ones that are due in their hands while continuing to learn every other day.
Humphreys Okello the principal at the college commended the graduands upon completing their studies and urged them to implement effectively the skills acquired.
