ALICE
At least 23 Primary Teachers Colleges [PTCs] are set to close indefinitely as the government officially phases out Grade III and Grade V teaching qualifications in favor of a bachelor’s degree in Education. Of those to be phased out includes Butiiti College, which also belongs to the catholic diocese of Fort Portal.
Uganda currently has 46 colleges, 23 of which are core institutions that run both Pre-and in-service programs. The other 23 are non-core institutions that only offer Pre-service programs.
Phased out PTC’s to serve as other education centers
Dr.Denis Mugimba, the Education and Sports ministry spokesperson confirmed the move to phase out non-core PTC institutions, saying that only ‘core PTCs’ will remain moving forward.
He proposes that Non-core PTCs that will be phased can alternatively be repurposed by turning them into secondary schools, skilling centers, or technical institutions depending on the needs of the areas where they are located.
The new changes
The new changes are part of the government’s move to streamline, professionalize, and improve the quality of teacher education hatched in the 2019 National Teacher Policy.
The policy requires that all teachers from Pre-primary should have a minimum qualification of a bachelor’s degree.
While speaking during the blessing of finalists of St. Augustine primary teachers college Butiti held at the college premise in Kyejojo district, the principal of the college Patrick Kabutoreirwe said that phasing out of non core PTCs where St. Augustine’s falls the victim of circumstance,is set to make some staff jobless after the closer of grade III teacher training program in early December this year.
Leaders unsure of what next
After all this, that college leaders are worried of who will take over and when, after the departure of the college staff.
Gatrude Tibakanya, the chairperson board of director St. Augustine’s primary teachers college, says that they have been to the ministry and the department of education is not sure what next hence calling upon members of staff, the staff and non teaching staff to remain firm.
Tibakanya speaks out on the worries
Bishop Muhiirwa appeals to staff to hope for the best
In his response, the Bishop of Fort Portal catholic diocese Rt. Rev. Dr. Robert Muhiirwa says that they should not lose hope the government will do the right thing.
He added that even if the college is phased out they will get the right thing to replace the college.
Bishop Muhiirwa’s response
