The “Muganga Education Review Commission Policy” refers to a set of proposed changes to Uganda’s education system put forward by Dr Lawrence Muganga with key aspects such as; scrapping PLE, abolishing boarding schools, significantly improving teacher pay, and introducing new subjects like artificial intelligence and environmental responsibility to better prepare students for the modern world.
Kampala, (UG):- Victoria University Vice-Chancellor and education expert, Prof. Muganga Lawrence, has expressed joy and appreciation to the Education Policy Review Commission (EPRC) for adopting the education reforms he proposed in a report the commission recently submitted to Uganda’s Education Minister, First Lady Janet Kataha Museveni.
“I am overjoyed that the Education Policy Review Commission (EPRC) has embraced the practical and common-sense education reforms I have been advocating for. This is a historic day for Uganda,” Prof. Muganga stated in a statement via his social media platform X.
The transformative educationist and award-winning author commended the EPRC team, led by Hon. Amanya Mushega, for their bold leadership in shaping the future of Uganda’s education system.
Among the key recommendations, Prof. Muganga highlighted is the elimination of Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE) as a transformative step. “They have rightly emphasized eliminating the Primary Leaving Examinations so we can redirect those resources to truly enhance our children’s education,” he noted.
The VU Vice Chancellor further lauded the decision to shorten primary school education to six years, which he believes will make the learning process more efficient and impactful. “Shortening primary school to six years is a common-sense reform that will benefit both learners and educators,” he emphasized.
Another crucial reform endorsed by the EPRC is the restructuring of the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) where Muganga expressed strong support for this recommendation, saying, “Restructuring UNEB to focus on developing practical skills, not just testing knowledge, is a critical step toward meaningful education reform.”
The adoption of competence-based learning also drew praise from Prof. Muganga, who has long advocated for this approach. “Ensuring genuine mastery at every level of education through competence-based learning will empower students with real-world skills,” he remarked.
On the subject of boarding schools, the commission recommended starting boarding only from Primary Five, a move Prof. Muganga believes addresses long-standing concerns. “Starting boarding school only from Primary Five will address part of the current anomaly and help children grow within their family environments during their formative years,” he said.
Prof. Muganga called on Education Minister Janet Museveni to consider these recommendations seriously. “I humbly urge Hon. Janet Museveni, our dedicated First Lady and Minister of Education, to seriously consider and implement these recommendations. I will continue to pray that God guides her in leading Uganda’s education system to greatness,” he said.
The Ministry of Education and Sports constituted the Education Policy Review Commission (ERPC) in May 2021 to inquire into the effectiveness and relevance of the current education policy to the achievement of the education needs of users.
According to Prof Muganga, if enacted, his suggestions have the potential to position Uganda as a leader in a decolonized and transformative education system, surpassing other nations in their developmental journey.
“If implemented, they will redefine learning, enhance student outcomes, and position Uganda’s education sector as a model of innovation and excellence,” he said.
