A group of 12 experts is carrying out a huge task of reviewing Uganda’s education policy, with their recommendation likely to inform the future of learning and teaching in the country. Among others, the commission will determine what is taught to learners and how teachers deliver this content.
According to Janet Museveni’s Ministry of Education and Sports, the main function of the Education Policy Review Commission (EPRC) is to draft a new macro policy framework for education and sports for Uganda that will replace the current Government White Paper on Education of 1992.
Inaugurated by Janet Museveni in May 2021, the Education Policy Review Commission was expected to conduct a rapid assessment of the current education system, an in-depth analysis of the 1992 Education Policy, public hearings on the education sector reforms in all sub regions, as well as inviting the submission of views from institutions, umbrella organizations, and key groups.
Established by Legal Notice No. 5 of 2021, the Commission is led by Amanya Mushega, its chairman who is deputized by Dr Joseph Muvawala. The administration and operation of the Commission is led by Prisca Boonabantu, the Secretary to the Commission.
The Commission has twelve members who are responsible for drafting a new education policy. It also has a team of technical and support staff with specific operational responsibilities. Here are the 12 men and women who might determine what your children will be taught in all Ugandan schools:
Hon. Col. (Rtd.) Amanya Mushega | Chairman of the Education Policy Review Commission
Amanya Mushega is the Chairman of the Education Policy Review Commission. He is a Lawyer, Retired Colonel, Former Member of the Parliament of Uganda Diplomat, and Civil Servant. He served as the Secretary General of the East African Community from 2001 until 2006. He has served in various ministerial roles, and served the longest as the Minister of Education and Sports for nine years, 1989-1998.
He also served as Minister in the Ministries of Defense, Local Government, Education, and Public Service between 1986 and 2001. He was a lecturer in the Faculty of Law at the University of Zambia in Lusaka, and Makerere University in Uganda. He holds a Master of Laws from Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario, Canada. He obtained his Bachelor of Laws Degree from the University of Dar es Salaam. He also undertook a Doctorate program at the London School of Economics but left the program to join the National Resistance Movement in 1981.
Dr. Joseph Muvawala | Deputy Chairman of the Education Policy Review Commission
Joseph Muvawala is the Deputy Chairman of the Education Policy Review Commission. He is an Economist. He is the Executive Director of the National Planning Authority of Uganda. He previously, worked as Chief Country Economist (Southern Sudan) African Development Bank; Principal Economist (Education) African Development Bank; Assistant Commissioner, Project Formulation, Planning and Budgeting, Ministry of Education and Sports; and earlier, as a Principal Economist (Education Planning and Project Formulation).
He holds a Doctorate in Economics, a Master of Arts in Economic Policy and Planning and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Social Administration, from Makerere University, Uganda.
Hon. Eng. John Nasasira | Member of the Education Policy Review Commission
John Nasasira is a member of the Commission. He is a Chartered Engineer, a Former Minister, and a Former Member of the Parliament of Uganda. He was most recently the Minister of Information and Communication Technology. He served in several ministerial positions in the ministries of Works and Transportation; Housing; and Agriculture.
He holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering Degree from the University of Nairobi. For several years he was a Member of Institute of Engineers, UK (MICE), a Member of the American Society of Civil Engineers, (MASCE) and a Member of Institute of Engineers of Kenya (MIEK).
Mrs. Monica Monge | Member of the Education Policy Review Commission
Mrs. Monica Abenakyo Monge is a teacher and an educationist. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Education (B.A Educ), of Makerere University and a Masters of Arts in Organizational Leadership and Management, of Uganda Christian University – Mukono.
Mrs. Monica Monge has 25 years’ experience in teaching. She has experience in working with fellow educationists and other like-minded individuals to develop simple and practical solutions to improve the learning environment of the rural poor. She is a leadership trainer who loves to develop and support others to take up challenging roles. She likes working with girls and / young mothers and mentoring them to deal with life challenges. She is a results- oriented person who draws strength in teamwork to achieve results.
She was on 4th May 2021 appointed, Commissioner on the Education Policy Review Commission, 2021.
Dr. Jacklyn Makaaru Arinaitwe | Member of the Education Policy Review Commission
Jacklyn Arinaitwe is a member of the Commission. She is an Economist, a Researcher and Policy Analyst. She is the Director of Ace Policy Research Institute – a research, advisory, and consultancy firm. She has diverse work experience, having worked with think tanks and academic institutions on socio-economic issues, education policy, economic empowerment, employment creation, public expenditure governance, and sustainable development.
She holds a Doctorate in Economic Policy and Development from the University of Kentucky, USA. She also has a Master’s Degree in Public Administration and a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics from the University of Alabama, USA.
Mrs. Irene Rusoke | Member of the Education Policy Review Commission
Irene Rusoke is a member of the Commission. She is a Lawyer, Educationist, and a School Proprietor. She is the Principal of Orchard International Christian School. She has vast experience in the education sphere including the development of varied curricula, training students with special needs and homeschooling. She was a member of a curriculum development team on materials for Uganda with the Accelerated Education Enterprise Team in South Africa. She has served as an external examiner for the International Certificate of Christian Education.
She holds a Bachelor of Laws Degree from Makerere University, Uganda.
Dr. Prosperous Nankindu Kavuma | Member of the Education Policy Review Commission
Prosperous Nankindu is a member of the Commission. She is an Educationist, Researcher and Author, and a Leader. She is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Languages and Communication, Kyambogo University. She is the Minister for Social Services (In charge of Health, Education, Women and Gender) and Office of The Nnaabagereka in the Kingdom of Buganda. She is experienced in teacher training, assessment, and supervision. She has zeal for interdisciplinary approaches to learning. She also serves on several Boards.
She holds a Doctorate in Linguistics from the University of Western Cape, Cape Town- South Africa. She holds a Masters of Education and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education from Makerere University, Uganda.
Prof. David Kabasa | Member of the Education Policy Review Commission
David Kabasa is a member of the Commission. He is an Academician, a Researcher, and a Veterinarian. He is the Head of the Agrochemicals Commission in Uganda. He served as the Principal of the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity at Makerere University and Chair of the International Network on Animal and Biomedical Sciences for Africa till 2021. He has published over 150 publications. He holds a Doctorate degree in Veterinary Medicine from Gottingen University, Germany.
He holds a Master of Science (Vet. Med), and a Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine from Makerere University, Uganda.
Mr. Brighton Barugahare | Member of the Education Policy Review Commission
Brighton Barugahare is a member of the Commission. He is a Lawyer, and Policy Analyst. He is an Advocate of Courts of Judicature of Uganda. He previously worked as the Assistant Commissioner, Policy Analysis at the Ministry of Education and Sports. He has served as a Principle Policy Analyst in the Office of the Prime Minister, and the Ministry of Public Service. He has participated in the formulation of several policies, including: The Public Service Training Policy, 2006; the National Policy on Public Sector Monitoring and Evaluation; The National Coordination Policy; The Technical Vocational Education and Training Policy; and the National Teachers’ Policy, among others. He is currently pursuing a Doctorate Degree in Public Policy and Management at Makerere University, Kampala.
He holds a Master of Laws Degree; a Bachelor of Laws Degree; and a Bachelor of Arts Degree with Social Sciences from Makerere University, Uganda. He also holds a Master of Public Policy Degree from Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand. In addition to a Post Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice from the Law Development Centre, Kampala.
Dr. Yusuf Nsubuga | Member of the Education Policy Review Commission
Yusuf Nsubuga is a member of the Commission. He currently works as an international Educational Consultant. He is the Vice Chairperson of Uganda Network on Law, Ethics and HIV/AIDS. He is the former Director for Basic and Secondary Education in the Uganda’s Ministry of Education and Sports.
He holds a Doctorate Degree in Education Leadership from Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, South Africa; a Master’s Degree in Education Administration and Planning; and a Bachelors of Arts in Economics and Rural Economy from Makerere University, Uganda.
Mr. Clarence Olongamuri | Member of the Education Policy Review Commission
Clarence Olongamuri is a member of the Commission. He is experienced in strategic review, economic planning, monitoring and evaluation, programming and coordination of multisectoral programs notably; sustainable economic development, education, gender & women empowerment, and health.
He holds a Master of Science Degree in Development Evaluation and Management from the University of Antwerp, Belgium; a Master of Business Administration and Management from Durham University, UK; and a Bachelor of Education Planning & Management from Makerere University, Uganda.
Dr. Kedrace Turyagyenda | Member of the Education Policy Review Commission
Kedrace Turyargyenda is a member of the Commission. She is an Educationist. She is the Director of Education Standards in the Ministry of Education and Sports. Prior to that, she served as the Commissioner for Secondary Education Standards in the same ministry. She is a member of several governance bodies of education institutions. She has published a number of education research, and presented a number of papers in international conferences.
She holds a Doctorate in Education Management from Nkumba University Uganda; a Master of Science Degree from Leicester University in UK; a Bachelor of Science Degree and a Diploma in Education from Makerere University, Uganda.
It should be remembered that the Mushega Commission has heard some interesting views from a number of education experts and stakeholders. President Museveni himself has proposed a number of changes in the education system. Pressing education issues include high school fees, with schools charging millions, and disparities in performance between expensive private schools and government village schools. (See Details Here, There and Over There).
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