The Government of Uganda together with Enabel (the Belgian development agency) have set aside a total of 12m euros (about shs.50b) for the rehabilitation and construction of the five National Teachers’ Colleges in the country. The colleges include NTC Kabale, NTC Mubende, NTC Kaliro, NTC Unyama and NTC Muni.

The project will see the construction of new staff houses, dispensaries, early childhood learning centers, boys' and girls' dormitories, toilets and renovation of some existing blocks. Other facilities include electrical strengthening of science blocks, solar power for the existing bio-gas pumps, improving the solar security lighting and landscaping.

Speaking during the ground-breaking ceremony to kick start construction works in the five colleges, the Minister of State for Higher Education, Dr John Chrysostom Muyingo, said the move is aimed at strengthening teacher education in the country.

"Teacher education is one of the strategic priorities of the education sector. In order to improve learning outcomes for all Ugandan students, teacher training education is the first step,” Muyingo said.

He said rehabilitation and construction works at the Muni and Kaliro would focus mainly on improving the living quarters of both staff and students. While at Kabale and Mubende, the focus will be on the administration and classroom blocks.

The infrastructural works will take a maximum of 18 months. Muyingo urged the contractors at all the sites to exercise maximum discipline and observe safety codes, especially because colleges will continue with their usual programmes. Muyingo said with a good teaching and learning environment, quality teacher educators and availability of relevant equipment, the country is sure of producing quality teachers.

The minister of state for Higher Education, lauded the construction management unit of the education ministry as well as Enabel for ensuring the successful start of the construction phase of this project.


The contractors included Sumadhura Technologies Ltd (NTC Muni-Northern Wing), Ambitious Construction Company Ltd (NTC Muni-Southern Wing), Complant Engineering and Trade Uganda Ltd (NTC Kaliro), Excel Construction Uganda Ltd (NTC Kabale) and Davrich Company Ltd (NTC Mubende).

The Belgium Ambassador to Uganda, H.E Hugo Verbist said teachers form undoubtedly the most important building blocks in the education process of a young person because they directly facilitate the student’s learning experience. “Whether at primary, secondary or tertiary level, their role in the education cycle cannot be overstated. That is why the Belgian government since 2008 has concentrated on education and health,” he said. He said through this project, they are seeking to improve institutional management within National Teachers’ Colleges and address the infrastructural and pedagogical needs of both teachers and students.

“Providing better teaching methods and continued professional development is one way to improve the learning outcomes. In order to do this, a safe and conducive learning environment is vital,” Hugo Verbist said.


The Resident Representative of Enabel, Christelle Jocquet, said the launch of the construction works in the five colleges comes with intentions of creating sustainable and functional learning environments that will enhance the teaching and learning process. She said it was important that they continue to work together with government to address the critical barriers to achieving quality education for all, so that the country can have the learning outcomes that it is striving for.

The Commissioner of TIET at the Ministry of Education and Sports, Dr. Jane Egau Okou, said upon completion, there would be betterment in training at the facilities, meaning the country would have a steady supply of good qualified teachers who will give learners meaningful education.