KIU-WC Benchmarks Bishop Ogez High School on CBC Implementation

KIU Western Campus – Kampala International University, Western Campus (KIU-WC), has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the successful implementation of Uganda’s Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) through collaboration and knowledge sharing with secondary schools.

On Tuesday, July 7th, 2026, a KIU-WC delegation led by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (DVC), Assoc. Prof. Eric Mabonga, visited Bishop Ogez High School in Bushenyi District for a benchmarking exercise aimed at gaining practical insights into the school’s six-year journey of implementing the CBC.

Speaking at the start of the engagement, Assoc. Prof. Mabonga underscored KIU’s commitment to working closely with education stakeholders to strengthen teaching and learning across the region.

“As KIU, we are committed to working with different stakeholders in this region because learning is a continuous process. You have implemented the CBC for six years, and we are here to learn from your experiences so that we are fully prepared to receive these learners into higher learning institutions,” he said.

He also urged members of the university delegation to document and share lessons from the visit so that the knowledge acquired would strengthen curriculum delivery, learner assessment and student support systems at KIU. 

The KIU team was received by Bishop Ogez High School’s Director of Studies (DoS), Bamutonda Dida Akitwiine; Assistant DoS, Alpha Kiconco, and Owembabazi Bonita Rita of the General Duties office, who welcomed the delegation and guided them through the school’s journey of implementing the CBC.

During the visit, the delegation toured classrooms, laboratories and other learning spaces while engaging school administrators on staff engagement, student projects, classroom organisation, laboratory setup, learner assessment and the practical realities of implementing the learner-centred curriculum.

The hosts also showcased structured schemes of work across different subject areas and demonstrated how dedicated project coordinators support learners in developing practical competencies, reflecting a culture of planning, accountability and continuous improvement.

The benchmarking exercise also provided a platform for KIU administrators and academic leaders to exchange ideas on strengthening CBC implementation, with Dr. Andrew Onchonga Nyakundi, Director of Quality Assurance and Monitoring, emphasizing the importance of continuous monitoring and evaluation in maintaining academic standards.

Dr. Maria Umo Edet, Dean of the School of Law, highlighted the need for inclusive assessment approaches that adequately support slow learners to ensure that every learner has an opportunity to achieve the desired competencies.

Dr. Godson Emeka Anyanwu, Dean of the Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, stressed that competence should be assessed through learners’ ability to apply knowledge and demonstrate practical skills rather than relying solely on theoretical examinations.

Meanwhile, Dr. Joe Mutebi Ojera, Director of Academic Affairs, emphasized the growing importance of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in teaching, learning and assessment, noting that digital technologies are central to the effective delivery of the CBC.

School administrators also shared the opportunities and challenges experienced during six years of implementing the curriculum. While acknowledging the positive impact of CBC on learner engagement and practical skills development, they observed that its successful implementation requires substantial investment in digital infrastructure, including computers, smartphones and other ICT tools.

Laboratory infrastructure also emerged as a significant concern. The school cited a high student-to-laboratory ratio, with only two laboratory attendants serving the entire institution, and laboratory facilities that are yet to meet recommended standards, increasing the risks associated with handling chemicals during science practicals.

In her closing remarks, Dr. Asiati Mbabazi, University Secretary, thanked the leadership of Bishop Ogez High School for openly sharing their experiences and best practices. She noted that the benchmarking exercise provided valuable lessons that would help KIU strengthen its preparedness for learners transitioning from the CBC into higher education.

Dr. Mbabazi reaffirmed the University’s commitment to sustained engagement with schools through similar benchmarking visits, saying the initiative will deepen partnerships, support continuous learning and contribute to improving education quality across the region.

The KIU delegation also included Dr. Ibrahim Babangida, Assistant DVC for Academics and Research; Mildred Akandinda, Deputy Campus Administrator; Dr. Shamim Basajja, Resident Director and Deputy Director of Quality Assurance, as well as other Deans and Directors, reflecting KIU’s multidisciplinary approach to understanding and strengthening CBC implementation.

The visit concluded with a shared commitment by both institutions to strengthen collaboration, promote knowledge exchange and support the successful implementation of the CBC in a way that equips learners with the competencies needed for higher education and the evolving world of work.