Irish envoy hails Vision Group’s teacher empowerment drive
Gaynor said the initiative has highlighted the dedication of teachers who continue to transform communities despite working with limited resources.
Vision Group CEO Don Wanyama (3rd left) and Ireland's Ambassador to Uganda, Mags Gaynor, (4th left) joined by other officials for a group photo after signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during the launch of the 2026 Teachers Making a Difference competition at Vision Group headquarters in Kampala on Wednesday (July 1). (Credit: Miriam Namutebi)
___________________
Ireland’s ambassador to Uganda, Mags Gaynor, has praised Vision Group for its role in recognising and uplifting teachers through the Teachers Making a Difference (TMD) initiative, describing the programme as a reflection of the strong education partnership between Uganda and Ireland.
Speaking during the launch of the 2026 Teachers Making a Difference competition at Vision Group headquarters in Kampala on Wednesday (July 1), Gaynor said the initiative has highlighted the dedication of teachers who continue to transform communities despite working with limited resources.
Ireland’s ambassador to Uganda, Mags Gaynor. (Credit: Miriam Namutebi)
Gaynor said her visits to schools in Uganda, including those in Karamoja, exposed her to educators who demonstrate commitment and creativity while facing numerous challenges.
She noted that the programme has recognised more than 100 outstanding teachers over the past nine years, while also creating opportunities for professional exchange between Ugandan and Irish educators.
The Embassy of Ireland will contribute €100,000 (about sh400m) towards the 2026 programme as part of its continued support.
Vision Group CEO Don Wanyama (left) and Ireland's Ambassador to Uganda, Mags Gaynor (right), sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). (Credit: Miriam Namutebi)
A crossection of the meeting. (Credit: Miriam Namutebi)
Gaynor said Ireland also invests about €6m (about sh25b) annually in Uganda’s education and skills development programmes, focusing on improving education quality and supporting children and young people, particularly in vulnerable communities.
The launch marked the opening of nominations for the 2026 competition, which is organised by Vision Group in partnership with the Embassy of Ireland, the Ministry of Education and Sports, and TravelCare.
Vision Group Chief Executive Officer Don Wanyama. (Credit: Miriam Namutebi)
Vision Group Chief Executive Officer Don Wanyama said the initiative has grown from a local teacher recognition programme into an internationally recognised platform celebrating excellence and innovation in education.
He said that since the partnership with the Embassy of Ireland started in 2017, TMD has shared the stories and innovations of more than 600 teachers through Vision Group platforms, including New Vision and Bukedde.
The programme has also enabled 53 Ugandan teachers to travel to Ireland for professional development, where they exchanged ideas with Irish educators and returned with new approaches to improve learning.
“You are not just funding a project. You are building bridges between our nations through education,” Wanyama said while appreciating the support from partners.
Vision Group Editor in Chief, Sidney Miria Babanga. (Credit: Miriam Namutebi)
He also praised the Ministry of Education and Sports for integrating the awards into Uganda’s World Teachers’ Day celebrations, saying government involvement has increased the programme’s impact.
The education ministry’s Director of Education Standards, Frances Atima, noted that teaching remains the foundation of every profession because all careers begin with the guidance of a teacher.
She said teachers today must adapt to new demands, including technology, inclusive education, and preparing learners with skills required in the 21st century.
Frances Atima, Head, Directorate of Education Standards. (Credit: Miriam Namutebi)
Atima said the competition is not simply about choosing winners, but creating a culture where teachers continuously improve and inspire others.
“This competition is about creating a culture of excellence where teachers continuously strive to improve learning outcomes and demonstrate that every classroom can become a centre of innovation and transformation,” she said.
TravelCare General Manager Patricia Bakashabaruhanga said the company was proud of its nearly decade-long partnership with TMD, but would end its formal sponsorship due to challenges affecting the global travel industry. She promised the company would be back on board once its fortunes improve.
“There is no better way to make a difference than through teachers because they shape every generation,” she said.
New Vision Foundation Manager John Eremu said the selection of the 12 winning teachers follows a transparent three-stage process.
Vision Group CEO Don Wanyama presents a gift to Ireland's Ambassador to Uganda, Mags Gaynor. (Credit: Miriam Namutebi)
L–R: Vision Group CEO Don Wanyama and Ireland's Ambassador to Uganda, Mags Gaynor, present a gift to Lydia Bakashakaruhanga, General Manager of Travel Care. (Credit: Miriam Namutebi)
Ireland's Ambassador to Uganda, Mags Gaynor (Right), chatting with Vision Group CEO, Don Wanyama and Vision Group Editor in Chief, Sidney Miria Babanga. (Credit: Miriam Namutebi)
The public nominates teachers through Vision Group platforms, journalists then verify the nominees through field visits, and a five-member jury selects the final winners based on their profiles and impact.