Dr. Mary Goretti Nakabugo, executive Director of UWEZO, a learning assessment civil society organization, has urged Muteesa I Royal University to integrate non-academic skills into its curriculum.
Speaking to journalists at the launch of the university’s first strategic plan (2025–2030) at Mengo, Nakabugo emphasized the plan’s theme: Empowering Learners, Nurturing Competence, and Ethical Character.
“UWEZO has partnered with the Kabaka’s university to support empowering learners, nurturing competence, and fostering ethical character, equipping them to address real-world challenges after graduation,” Nakabugo stated.
As chairperson of the university’s 6th Council, Nakabugo highlighted that UWEZO’s partnership stems from the university’s commitment to human resource development, research, innovation, publication, community engagement, financial stewardship, marketing, and protecting its public image.
These align with UWEZO’s core values of critical thinking, confidence, character, competence, problem-solving, and creativity.
She stressed the importance of community engagement in implementing the strategic plan, ensuring it aligns with the university’s objectives and the Buganda Kingdom’s development strategies.
Prof. Twaha Kawaase Kigongo, representing Buganda Katikkiro Charles Peter Mayiga, commended the university for embedding ethical values in the strategic plan.
He urged the university and its partners to ensure the plan is implemented, aligning with the Buganda Kingdom’s objectives. These include safeguarding the Kabaka’s position by avoiding fake qualifications, supporting Buganda’s federal aspirations, preserving cultural heritage, conducting research tied to cultural values, utilizing royal assets to support the kingdom financially, fostering unity among the Kabaka’s people, and incorporating monitoring and evaluation mechanisms.
“I welcome your strategic plan for preserving our cultural values, but the Kabaka has instructed us to turn plans into action to address learners’ challenges before and after graduation,” Kawaase said.
As Minister for ICT, Innovations, and Administration of Kingdom Projects, he warned the university management that he would actively monitor the plan’s implementation.
“I will come with folded shirts to check how you operationalize this five-year plan,” he said. He emphasized that a strategic plan is ineffective without actionable, measurable work plans set within specific timeframes and urged kingdom officials to proactively shape the future.
Cotilda Nakate Kikomeko, the Kingdom’s minister for Social Services and Education, praised the university and UWEZO for the strategic plan and pledged her ministry’s support for its implementation.
She noted that the plan’s objectives align with her ministry’s priorities, including youth development programs, girl child education, and communal work.
Prof. Vincent Kakembo, Vice Chancellor of Muteesa I Royal University, expressed gratitude for stakeholders’ support in formulating the plan. He noted its alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), East African Community Vision 2050, Uganda Vision 2040, National Development Plan IV, and the Buganda Kingdom’s Development Strategic Plan (Namutayika).
Prof. Edwin Kyamanywa, Vice Chancellor of Uganda Christian University Mukono and keynote speaker, underscored the importance of implementing the plan rather than leaving it on paper.
He highlighted that character, critical thinking, confidence, and competence are essential for universities to fulfill their seven pillars: teaching and learning, human resource development, community engagement, financial stewardship, infrastructure development, marketing, and enabling functions.
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