Vision Group CEO Wanyama hails teachers as foundation of true national vision

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The Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director (MD) of Vision Group, Don Wanyama, has praised teachers as the true architects of society, saying the country’s future is shaped more in classrooms than in boardrooms.

Speaking at the 2025 Teachers Making a Difference (TMAD) Awards held at State House Entebbe, Wanyama described teachers as the backbone of Uganda’s development, whose dedication often goes beyond duty.

“True vision is nurtured from classrooms and not boardrooms,” Wanyama said, noting that the impact of teachers is seen in their ability to identify potential in struggling learners and nurture it into success.

The awards ceremony was presided over by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Kataaha Museveni, whom Wanyama commended for elevating the initiative from a small event at Vision Group offices into a national programme aligned with World Teachers' Day celebrations.

He further lauded her for hosting the awards at State House, describing it as a strong sign of government support and appreciation for teachers.

Wanyama also acknowledged the contribution of the Embassy of Ireland in Uganda, led by Ambassador Mags Gaynor, for supporting the initiative since 2017. Through the partnership, top-performing teachers have benefited from professional development programmes in Ireland.

He noted that since its inception in 2013, the TMAD project has profiled nearly 1,000 outstanding teachers across Vision Group platforms, helping to highlight innovation and excellence in the education sector.

Wanyama revealed that each year, 12 winners are selected through a rigorous process involving nominations, publication, and vetting by an independent panel of education experts. From over 400 nominations this year, 60 were shortlisted, with the final 12 emerging as winners.

He added that efforts are ongoing to expand opportunities for all winners to benefit equally from international exposure, appealing for the institutionalisation of support to ensure all 12 awardees access training opportunities abroad.

The CEO also highlighted the growing impact of the TMAD alumni network, noting that continuous professional development programmes are organised annually to keep teachers updated on modern education trends. He said 45 alumni who recently completed a two-day training were present at the event.

To further encourage innovation, a “Most Progressive Alumni” category has been introduced, recognising teachers who continue to excel after winning the awards.

Wanyama concluded by thanking the teachers for their passion and sacrifice, emphasising that the awards are not just about recognition but appreciation for their role in shaping the nation.

“We are saying thank you for your passion, your sacrifice, and your commitment to building the future,” he said.

About Teachers Making a Difference

Teachers Making a Difference is part of the Ugandans Making a Difference (UMD) project initiated by New Vision Printing and Publishing Company in April 2008.

The project aims to recognise and reward individuals who are innovatively using limited resources to have a positive impact on their communities.

New Vision implements the project in partnership with agencies and organisations that share similar objectives. Since its inception, over 1,000 teachers have been recognised by the initiative.

The partners include the Embassy of Ireland in Kampala, Trócaire, an Irish charity, and Travelcare, one of Uganda’s leading tour and travel management companies owned by an Irish investor.