Uganda Education Body Requests Shs17bn as Curriculum Reform Pressure Builds

Mintesinot Nigussie

Uganda’s National Council for Curriculum Development (NCDC) has requested Shs17 billion to finance a broad review of the upper secondary school curriculum, alongside the printing and distribution of learning materials for primary one to three.

The funding request, which is not reflected in the 2026/2027 national budget, also covers teacher training programmes aimed at strengthening implementation of the revised curriculum. Appearing before the parliamentary Committee on Education, NCDC director Bernadette Nambi said the additional resources are necessary to support rollout efforts.

She said the funding would help raise staffing levels from 57 percent to 65 percent. The council has 236 approved positions, but only 135 are currently filled. Nambi highlighted staff burnout and the need for additional personnel to handle the ongoing curriculum review.

Lawmakers on the Committee on Education questioned the justification for the additional funding and called for stronger public communication around the revised curriculum. Committee chairperson Hon James Kubeketerya urged the council to intensify outreach efforts.

Kashari South County MP Hon Nathan Itungo asked the council to provide detailed evidence of weaknesses in the existing curriculum. He warned that staffing shortages could undermine reform efforts.

UPDF representative Hon Jennifer Alanyo commended the rollout of Kiswahili teaching and urged expansion of the programme to other parts of the country.

The NCDC’s request reflects growing pressure to modernise Uganda’s education system while addressing resource and staffing constraints. Businesses in education technology, publishing and teacher training are expected to monitor the outcome closely.

Overall, the funding request underscores the scale of curriculum reform efforts in Uganda and the need for adequate resources to ensure successful implementation.