Competence-Based Education (CBE) Sensitization Workshop to boost staff efficiency

The University has taken a significant step toward strengthening the quality of teaching and learning through a two-day sensitization workshop on Competence-Based Education (CBE). The workshop is organized by the Directorate of Quality Assurance, and it is being held on 9th and 10th April 2026 at All Saints Church Hall in Kabale Municipality.

The training brings together academic staff, Heads of Departments, faculty Deans, members of quality assurance committees, lab technicians, and curriculum developers. Its primary aim is to deepen participants’ understanding and equip them with practical skills for implementing competence-based approaches in higher education.

Today’s workshop, 9th April 2026, has been facilitated by experts from the National Curriculum Development Centre, Kampala, led by Mr. Gilbert Gift Siima, who is guiding participants through key concepts and practical frameworks for aligning teaching methodologies with competence-based standards.

In her opening remarks, Ms. Monica Karungi, the Principal Quality Assurance at Kabale University, emphasized the importance of embracing innovative teaching approaches to improve learning outcomes and ensure that graduates are equipped with relevant, market-driven skills.

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During his presentation, Mr. Siima emphasized critical themes such as indigenous education in Africa and the evolution of Competence-Based Education. He emphasized the inevitability of educational transformation, noting that “Change is not comfortable, but it has to happen anyway. CBE is not just a Ugandan issue; it is a regional and global trend.” He further observed that Uganda may be joining the transition later than some countries, but stressed the urgency of adapting to remain competitive in the global education landscape.

The interactive sessions provided a platform for participants to engage with the facilitators and share their perspectives. Several academic staff members raised concerns and sought clarification on the practical implementation of CBE at the university level.

Among the participants, Prof. Sabiti Makara the Chief of Graduate training, expressed concern about a limited understanding of the competence-based curriculum. He noted that many university lecturers have not yet acquired sufficient skills to deliver it effectively. He also pointed out the disparity between secondary schools, which have begun adopting the approach, and universities that are still preparing for the transition.

From the Department of Pharmacology, Mr. Claude Kirimuhuzya questioned how the university plans to implement the curriculum effectively, especially given that new students are expected to join soon under the competence-based system.

Similarly, Mr. Robert Katerega from the Faculty of Engineering sought clarity on the general implementation framework at the tertiary level, highlighting the need for structured guidance. He also emphasized the importance of addressing infrastructure challenges, including the availability of laboratories and skilled technical personnel to support competence-based training.

The workshop continues to provide a valuable forum for dialogue, reflection, and capacity building as Kabale University positions itself to align with modern, learner-centered education systems. Participants are expected to leave with enhanced knowledge on curriculum delivery, assessment strategies, and approaches that foster practical skills development and academic excellence.

The initiative reflects the university’s commitment to continuous improvement in teaching practices and its readiness to embrace global trends in higher education.