Schools asked to emphasize mathematics

By Ronald Kalyango

The Ministry of Education’s assistant commissioner in charge of private schools, Ismail Mulindwa, has urged students and teachers to put more emphasis on mathematics.

Presiding over at this year’s annual prize-giving ceremony for the best students in the mathematics contests in primary, secondary and tertiary institutions at Makerere University on Saturday, he said the ministry still considers mathematics as a foundation for studying other relevant courses at higher levels.

“The Government is undertaking curriculum reforms with mathematics being one of the eight learning areas being considered,” said Mulindwa.

In the new curriculum, Mulindwa observed that mathematics will be modified to meet the needs of the 21st century.

Annually, Uganda Mathematical Society (UMS), an umbrella body, which brings together mathematics teachers, organises maths contests.

The UMS president, Dr. Godwin Kakuba, informed the gathering that best performers are rewarded with scholarships, plaques and certificates.

“I appeal to all schools to start rewarding students who excel in sciences with tuition waivers. This will be a very good motivation towards our cause,” said Kakuba.

He said five students drawn from different schools are in Colombia, representing the country at the international maths contest.

They include Paul Twijukye (King’s College Budo), Joshua Yiga (St. Mary’s Namagoma), Alvin Abaho (Makerere College), Moses Bukenya (Budo SS) and Flavia Nabanoba (Gayaza High School), all in Senior Six vacations.