The Acting Minister of Education and Sports Hon Dr John Chrysostom Muyingo has said that the Government of Uganda is commitment to strengthening teacher education and professional development as he stressed the central role of teachers in improving Uganda’s education system.
Minister Muyingo made the remarks while speak8ng as Chief Guest at the inaugural International Teacher Education Conference (ITEC) 2026, held under the theme “Teachers at the Heart of Reform: Transforming Teacher Education for Human Capital Development in the 21st Century.”
The conference was convened by the Uganda National Institute for Teacher Education (UNITE) and the Minister said Government is implementing a range of reforms aimed at improving teacher preparation, professional support and continuous development throughout teachers’ careers.
Among the reforms highlighted are the rationalisation and upgrading of teacher training institutions, implementation of the competence-based curriculum, establishment of UNITE and the ongoing process of strengthening teacher professional regulation through the National Teacher Council.
Dr Muyingo emphasised that the reforms require sustained investment and effective implementation, noting that policies should translate into tangible improvements in teachers’ work and ultimately strengthen learning outcomes.
He also called for stronger collaboration among Government, researchers, teacher educators and practitioners, saying evidence from research and classroom experience should inform policy and guide the allocation of resources towards interventions that improve education.
Uganda National Institute for Teacher Education was established in 2024 and it is mandated to coordinate and provide teacher education from initial training through postgraduate education, as well as in-service training and Continuous Professional Development programmes.
The Minister commended UNITE and its development partners for convening ITEC 2026, which brings together scholars, policymakers, teacher educators and practitioners to exchange research, experiences and practical approaches to teacher education reform.
Dr Muyingo formally declared the inaugural conference open and urged participants to develop practical, evidence-based approaches that keep teachers at the centre of Uganda’s education transformation agenda.
