Muramba Seed Secondary School Headteacher in Kisoro District, Elisa Mfitundinda has called for reforms in Uganda’s education system to shift from theoretical teaching to practical learning that equips learners with hands-on skills for the future.
Mfitundinda made the call following a government-sponsored study tour to Ireland after he was recognized among 12 outstanding teachers transforming schools and communities in Uganda.
He took over as acting headteacher of Muramba Seed Secondary School in December 2022, when frequent strikes, teacher and student absenteeism, and poor academic performance were common.
To restore discipline and improve academic performance, Mfitundinda introduced a Shs5,000 fine for teachers who missed lessons without valid reasons. He also established student counselling sessions and engaged the community through radio sensitization programmes and meetings.
The school further introduced bursaries for bright learners, while needy students were encouraged to contribute labour or provide items in kind to support school activities.
These interventions helped increase enrolment from 310 students in 2022 to 400 in 2025. In 2024, all 39 candidates who sat the national examinations passed.
Mfitundinda also oversaw the completion of staff houses, roofing of the students’ common room, construction of a new pit latrine and connection of the school to electricity. The school has also registered progress in sports and vocational projects.
Speaking to our reporter, Mfitundinda said Uganda’s education system remains largely theoretical, unlike Ireland’s approach, which places greater emphasis on practical learning.
CUE IN MFITUNDINDA… ON PRACTICAL EDUCATION…RR.ENG//
He also criticized parents who impose career choices on their children, saying the practice can undermine learners’ interests and abilities. He urged parents to allow their children to make informed decisions about their future careers.
CUE IN MFITUNDINDA… ON CHOICES… RR//
Mfitundinda further urged teachers and school administrators to follow up on learners who drop out of school to establish the reasons behind their departure and explore ways of helping them return to education.
He cited Ireland’s practice of tracking school dropouts as an example Uganda could adopt to address the problem and keep more learners in school.
CUE IN MFITUNDINDA… ON DROPOUT FOLLOW-UPS… RR//
Meanwhile, Mfitundinda encouraged learners to consider joining the teaching profession, saying there would be a need for new teachers to replace those retiring due to old age.
CUE IN MFITUNDINDA… ON TEACHING PROFESSION… RR//
