Brian Mugenyi
The National Curriculum Development Centre (NCDC) is marking 50 years of shaping Uganda’s education system with a renewed focus on artificial intelligence, innovation, practical skills and curriculum reforms aimed at preparing learners for a rapidly changing world.
The Centre will host the 2nd International Conference on Curriculum Development from August 20 to 21, 2026, at Speke Resort and Convention Centre, Munyonyo, Kampala, under the theme, “Innovative Curriculum Approaches for Sustainable Education in a Globalised World.”
The conference will bring together curriculum experts, researchers, policymakers, teachers, universities, assessment bodies and development partners to examine emerging trends and challenges in curriculum development and implementation.
Dr Bernadette Nambi Karuhanga, Director of NCDC, said the conference comes at a time when education systems are under growing pressure to respond to rapid technological advancement, artificial intelligence, climate change, shifting labour markets and changing expectations among learners.
Speaking to this writer on Tuesday, Karuhanga said Uganda must rethink education beyond the traditional transfer of knowledge.
“The answer increasingly requires us to rethink not only what learners know, but what they can do with what they know,” she said.
She said employers increasingly value adaptability, creativity, collaboration, communication and problem-solving alongside technical knowledge.
“Curriculum cannot remain static in such an environment,” she said.
Karuhanga said Uganda’s competency-based approach is intended to equip learners with the ability to apply knowledge, analyse situations, communicate ideas, work with others and solve real-life problems.
Technology and artificial intelligence are expected to feature prominently at the conference, with discussions focusing on how they can be integrated into education without undermining the role of teachers.
“The question for education will not be simply whether learners should use technology, but how we prepare them to use it intelligently, creatively, ethically and responsibly,” Karuhanga said.
“Technology should strengthen learning rather than replace the essential human relationships at the heart of education.”
The conference will examine 11 thematic areas, including ICT and artificial intelligence, sustainability and global citizenship, indigenous knowledge, competency-based education, entrepreneurship, TVET, climate-change education, green jobs, inclusivity, early childhood education, teacher training and innovation in instructional materials.
Dr Richard Irumba, Deputy Director of Research, Consultancy and Library Services at NCDC and chairperson of the conference organising committee, said the Centre received 130 papers, of which 77 were accepted following a double-blind peer-review and quality-assurance process.
The accepted papers include contributions from researchers, educators and practitioners from more than 11 countries.
More than 700 delegates have confirmed their participation, both physically and online.
Dr John Chrysestom Muyingo, Acting Minister of Education and Sports, has welcomed the conference, calling for greater emphasis on practical education, innovation and information technology.
Muyingo said Uganda needs an education system capable of producing learners who can turn knowledge into innovation, production and economic opportunity.
“Hands-on education is the way to go,” he said, while stressing the growing importance of information technology skills.
The conference will feature keynote addresses from experts from Uganda, Zambia, the United Kingdom and the United States, including Prof. Benson Banda, Dr Tony Devine, Dr Mary Goretti Nakabugo and Dr Anna Greene.
As NCDC celebrates its 50th anniversary, the conference provides an opportunity for Uganda to assess whether its curriculum is keeping pace with developments beyond the classroom.
At the centre of the discussions will be a growing recognition that the learner of tomorrow must possess more than academic knowledge. They must be able to think critically, create, innovate, adapt to change and apply what they learn to solve real-world problems.
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