Uganda’s education sector is undergoing a significant transformation as the National Curriculum Development Centre (NCDC) announces that a comprehensive new A-Level curriculum will be ready within the next three years. This development marks a pivotal step in aligning the country’s advanced secondary education with modern competency-based approaches, following the successful rollout of a similar curriculum at the lower secondary (O-Level) level in 2020
Background: The Need for Change
The shift towards a new A-Level curriculum is driven by the need to harmonize learning experiences for students progressing from the recently implemented competency-based O-Level curriculum. The absence of a corresponding A-Level framework has created a gap, prompting concerns among educators, parents, and policymakers about the continuity and effectiveness of Uganda’s education system.
In response, the government has allocated funds in the upcoming financial year specifically for curriculum review and capacity building. This commitment underscores the importance of not only designing a robust curriculum but also ensuring that the education system is adequately prepared to implement it effectively.
Transitional Measures and Current Reforms
While the full curriculum overhaul is underway, the NCDC has introduced a transitional or abridged A-Level curriculum. This interim solution aims to bridge the gap for students who have completed the new O-Level program and are advancing to Senior Five and Six. The transitional curriculum, deployed in 2025, features several key changes:
Streamlined Content: Over 200 topics have been merged or removed across 29 subjects, making the syllabus more focused and manageable for both teachers and students.
Competency-Based Approach: The curriculum emphasizes practical skills, critical thinking, and project-based learning, moving away from rote memorization.
Subject Structure: Teachers are now required to teach entire subjects rather than individual papers, fostering a more holistic understanding of each discipline.
Cross-Cutting Issues: New themes such as digital literacy, climate change, and gender inclusivity have been integrated into lesson plans to prepare students for contemporary challenges.
Implementation and Capacity Building
The NCDC recognizes that successful curriculum reform extends beyond the writing and design phase. Director Grace Baguma has highlighted the importance of building capacity within the education system, ensuring that teachers and administrators are equipped to deliver the new curriculum effectively. Training sessions for head teachers, deputy head teachers, and classroom educators are already underway, focusing on learner-centered teaching methods and the use of digital platforms for accessing updated syllabi and instructional materials.
To address concerns about resource gaps, the government has made the new curriculum documents available online, with plans to distribute hard copies to both public and private schools. This approach aims to ensure equitable access and smooth implementation across the country, including in rural and underserved areas.
Assessment and Student Experience
Assessment methods are also evolving in line with the new curriculum. Students will be evaluated through a combination of formative assessments—ongoing evaluations during the learning process—and end-of-cycle summative assessments, similar to the system used at O-Level. The focus is on active participation, problem-solving, and real-world application of knowledge, preparing students for higher education and the workforce.
Challenges and Stakeholder Concerns
Despite the positive momentum, several challenges remain. Some teachers have expressed concerns about inadequate training and the lack of instructional resources, particularly in private and rural schools. There are also questions about how the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) will adapt its assessment frameworks to align with the new curriculum during the transitional period.
Looking Ahead: The Three-Year Roadmap
The comprehensive review and development of the new A-Level curriculum are expected to take approximately three years, with the NCDC committed to a consultative and inclusive process. Stakeholder engagement, ongoing capacity building, and iterative feedback will be central to ensuring that the final curriculum meets the needs of Uganda’s diverse student population.
As Uganda moves forward with these reforms, the education sector stands at a crossroads—balancing tradition with innovation, and ensuring that students are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world. The successful rollout of the new A-level curriculum will not only enhance learning outcomes but also contribute to the country’s broader socio-economic development.