The Ministry of Education and Sports has unveiled a comprehensive plan to improve Early Childhood Development (ECD) in Uganda. The initiative includes the institutionalization of caregiver training and the introduction of strict quality standards for the sector.
Minister Janet Kataaha Museveni highlighted the plan while presenting updates on the progress of the education sector under the NRM Manifesto for 2021-2026.
As part of the effort, the government has incorporated ECD caregiver training into the curriculum at Primary Teachers’ Colleges (PTCs). This change ensures that caregivers can develop professionally, with opportunities to advance from certificate programs to higher qualifications.
The new initiative is backed by the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Policy, which was approved in May 2024.
Minister Museveni stressed the importance of improving early childhood education to create a strong foundation for Uganda’s future generations. She pointed out that integrating ECD training into public PTCs and enforcing regulatory standards are key steps in ensuring the delivery of high-quality services.
To further support this initiative, the government has introduced sponsored diploma-level training slots in ECD across 23 Core PTCs. However, enrollment numbers remain low, as many caregivers still receive training in private institutions that are not accredited.
In response, the Ministry is working to promote recognized training programs and create structured career advancement paths for ECD professionals.
Under the new framework, caregivers can now pursue education from certificates up to PhD levels, helping to build a skilled workforce to meet the growing demand for quality early childhood education.
Since 2023, the Ministry has enforced Basic Requirements and Minimum Standards for Pre-Primary Teacher Training Institutions to ensure the credibility of training programs. Additionally, draft standards for ECCE centers are expected to be finalized by December 2024, further strengthening the regulatory framework for early childhood education in Uganda.
These efforts reflect the government’s commitment to reforming early childhood education in line with the broader goals of the NRM manifesto. By improving training standards, creating career paths, and enforcing regulations, the Ministry aims to lay a solid foundation for young learners and raise the quality of ECD services across the country.
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