Government pushes practical science learning to tackle youth unemployment

By Bamutaze Sam Mwanjje

The government, through the Ministry of Education and Sports, is intensifying efforts to improve the teaching and understanding of science subjects in schools, viewing the sector as a key driver in tackling youth unemployment.

President Yoweri Museveni has repeatedly urged education authorities to prioritise science and innovation as a pathway to economic transformation and global competitiveness. In June 2016, he appointed Monica Musenero Masanza as Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation to strengthen the country’s scientific capacity.

In the 2023/2024 financial year, the Ministry contracted River Flow International to design and distribute science learning aid materials to selected schools across the country. The initiative aims to promote practical learning and improve students’ grasp of scientific concepts.

Speaking to the media, River Flow International’s Science Outreach Officer, Nebert Nagaba, said the programme has already made an impact in the beneficiary schools.

“The Ministry contracted us to fabricate and distribute the materials, and we are pleased that selected schools across the country have received their kits,” Nagaba said.

In Mayuge District, 20 government-aided schools, including Ikulwe Primary School, received the science learning kits. The organisation has since trained 54 teachers, comprising headteachers and science instructors—on how to effectively use the materials. The trained teachers are expected to cascade the knowledge to their colleagues to enhance science teaching.

Nagaba noted that the hands-on approach is expected to make science subjects easier to understand and more engaging for learners.

The intervention comes amid concerns over poor performance in science subjects. Recent results released by the Uganda National Examinations Board highlighted the need for improvement in science education nationwide.

Mayuge District Inspector of Schools, Kasiira Daniel, acknowledged the district’s past struggles in science performance but expressed optimism that the new approach will yield results.

“We are happy that teachers have been trained on how to use the kits. We hope that science subject performance will improve,” he said.

However, school administrators say structural challenges could undermine these gains. Hashaga George, headteacher of Bubinge Primary School in Kityerera Sub-county, pointed to severe understaffing as a major obstacle.

The school, with over 400 pupils, has only six teachers, making it difficult to deliver quality education despite the availability of learning materials.

“Our workload is overwhelming. With such a small number of teachers, it is hard to achieve the desired outcomes,” Hashaga said.

In response, Wabweire Nathan Wycliffe, Inspector of Schools for Bunya County South, said authorities are aware of the staffing challenges at Bubinge Primary School and are working to address them.

The initiative reflects government efforts to strengthen science education, though stakeholders say addressing teacher shortages will be critical to achieving lasting improvements.