Education
Kyambogo University's new program to enhance staff and student training
Vice Chancellor Prof. Katunguka said that the initiative is designed to align university training with competence-based education standards.
Participants share in a group photo after the launch of the Competence-Based Education and Training (CBET) programme at Kyambogo University on Wednesday, June 17, 2026. (Credit: Mpalanyi Ssentongo)
By: Ibrahim Ruhweza and Hellen Tusiime, Journalists @New Vision
______________
Kyambogo University has launched the Competence-Based Education and Training (CBET) programme aimed at enhancing practical skills among lecturers and students.
The launch held at Kyambogo University on Tuesday (June 16) and brought together university leadership, academic staff, and government representatives.
The Deputy Vice Chancellor, Prof. Maria Musoke, revealed that the university is developing a comprehensive CBET framework built around six key modules.
Kyambogo University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Eli Katunguka, delivers his remarks during the event. (Photo by Mpalanyi Ssentongo)
At the launch, she highlighted that soft skills development forms a core component of the programme, alongside student support services, leadership development, research capacity, and curriculum design aimed at strengthening teaching competencies.
The event was attended by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ellie Katunguka, and the Acting Commissioner for University Education and Training, Dr Timothy Ssejjoba, who represented the Minister of Education and Sports, Dr John Chrysostom Muyingo, who was unable to attend.
Vice Chancellor Prof. Katunguka said that the initiative is designed to align university training with competence-based education standards. He noted that employers continue to express concern that graduates often lack essential soft skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, time management, and accountability, not necessarily academic knowledge.
He said that these gaps are not limited to students alone, adding that even academic staff require continuous skills development.
“Having a PhD does not automatically make one an effective lecturer,” he noted, underscoring the need for ongoing professional development.
Dr Ssejjoba, speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Education and Sports, commended the initiative, saying CBET will help students better apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings, improving employability and workplace readiness.
He encouraged both staff and students to actively participate in the programme, noting that government remains supportive of such reforms.
Dr Ssejjoba congratulated Kyambogo University for what he described as a significant milestone in advancing skills-based education in Uganda.