Lamwo teachers trained in CBA to improve learning outcomes

At least 100 teachers from 20 primary schools in Lamwo district have been trained in Competency-Based Assessment (CBA), which was organized by the Ministry of Education and Sports in collaboration with the Uganda National Examinations Board.

UNICEF funded the training. The goal remains to improve learning outcomes through quality, inclusive education.

CBA focuses on a learner’s abilities rather than rote memorization.

Abenaitwe Allen, a representative from the Ministry of Education and Sports attached to Teacher Education and Training Department, said on Friday, May 9, 2025, that the ministry, with support from UNICEF and UNEB, aims to empower teachers to carry out more effective assessments of primary school learners, rather than relying on copied questions and textbooks.

She emphasized that effective assessment is key to advancing learners to the next level. “To achieve this, teachers must continuously evaluate their teaching methods and assessment approaches to ensure meaningful learning is taking place,” Abenaitwe said.

She also cited the findings of the National Assessment of Progress in Education (NAPE), conducted by UNEB in 2012 and 2014, which revealed significant gaps in teachers’ assessment knowledge and practices.

According to the report, 52% of teachers viewed the curriculum solely as “a tool for test preparation,” 80% couldn’t accurately describe the requirements for a standard test, 15% were unable to identify a test blueprint, and 71% relied on commercial test providers despite a ban due to their misalignment with the curriculum.

To address these challenges and improve foundational literacy and numeracy, Oketta Samuel, a Coordinating Centre Tutor (CCT) in Lamwo district, stated that the local government, the Ministry of Education and Sports, and UNEB with UNICEF’s support are offering CBA training to teachers in 29 districts across Uganda from 2022 to 2025.

Oketta noted that NAPE results are based on proficiency levels aligned with competence-based principles.

“The impact of CBA will be evident in selected primary schools in Lamwo, where both teachers and parents will witness improved learning outcomes,” he added.

He explained that previously, teachers relied heavily on external exams. However, with the new CBA skills, teachers are optimistic about better learner performance in 2025.

Francis Ogiki, one of the trained teachers, stated, “The CBA training has helped us assess learners based on their competencies and what they’ve covered in the curriculum. Previously, we purchased exams, but after the training, we no longer feel the need.”

Barnabas Langoya, the Lamwo District Education Officer, emphasized the importance of involving parents, guardians, and caregivers in the assessment process.

He said community engagement led by School Management Committees (SMCs) and Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) will raise awareness, support social mobilization, and drive advocacy to enhance parent involvement in both school and home learning.

“The goal is to foster positive social and behavioral changes that improve the learning experience and ensure quality and inclusive education for all children and adolescents,” Langoya said.

In 2023, UNEB, in partnership with UNICEF and with funding from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) under the Mission Recovery Programme, supported the Ministry of Education and Sports to train 1,000 teachers.

This included 653 males and 347 females from 210 schools across seven districts in Western and Mid-Western Uganda, including Kasese, Isingiro, Ntungamo; Kyegegwa, Kikuube, Mubende, and Kamwenge.