Entebbe Municipality, Kisubi University renew partnership to support teachers, informal sector
Since a memorandum of understanding was signed in 2022 between the University of Kisubi and Entebbe municipal council, over 200 teachers have enrolled to have their academic qualifications upgraded.
Officials at Entebbe municipal council together with officials from Kisubi university having a photo moment after renewing their MoU on Friday. (Photos by Julius Luwemba)
By Julius Luwemba
Journalists @New Vision
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The University of Kisubi, through Entebbe municipal council, offered a 30% discount to all primary school teachers aiming to upgrade their academic standards.
Since a memorandum of understanding was signed in 2022 between the University of Kisubi and Entebbe municipal council, over 200 teachers have enrolled to have their academic qualifications upgraded.
The two institutions renewed their partnership on Friday, through a memorandum of understanding to allow members of the informal sector to tap into the opportunity. The renewed cooperation will allow teachers to upgrade to a Master's degree level.
"I am happy that we've now got slots for: market vendors, carpenters, women in the informal sector, among others, to enrol for formal certificates at the university. We have also reached that level where a sector like oil and gas requires certification. Therefore, if we can train and certify our plumbers, welders, painters, among others, Entebbe can supply the labour force to other regions in different sectors," remarked Fabrice Rulinda, the municipality mayor.
Joyce Nalubega, the municipal education officer, explained that in April 2022, the Entebbe municipal council signed a memorandum of understanding with the University of Kisubi to support teachers' professional development in Primary education.
The first addendum, signed in 2022, only catered for teachers at the nursery and primary school level.
"So far, 20 teachers have graduated, and four (4) of them have enrolled to upgrade for the Master's degree," Nalubega stated.
Prof Celestine Kakooza (2nd right) the vice chancellor Kisubi university shaking hands with Fabrice Rulinda (3rd left) the Entebbe municipality mayor in presence of other accompanying officials during the renewal of the MoU between Kisubi university and Entebbe municipality.
The new memorandum of understanding encompasses enhancement of skills development under different courses, including carpentry, hair-dressing, bakery, metal fabrication, computer repair and maintenance.
Prof. Celistine Kakooza, the vice chancellor of Kisubi University, urged the municipal authorities through a formal commitment to have all beneficiaries return their skills to empower other members of the community.
He further assured that Kisubi University has the required capacity to accommodate all the enrolling students as and when recommended by Entebbe municipal council.
According to Kakooza, the new memorandum of understanding does not have expiry dates.
Meanwhile, Francis Makumbi, the vice chairperson for Entebbe municipality primary schools head teachers association, appealed for more discounts from 30% to at least 50% saying the teachers' salary remains insufficient to cater for such tuition fees among other family needs.
In response, Rulinda, the municipality mayor, promised to negotiate with other higher institutions of learning to have a more discounted fees structure.
"We already have talks with Nkumba University to provide a 50% fees discount, plus St. Lawrence University to offer a 70% discount. Meanwhile, we remain grateful to Kisubi University for offering a noble hand to our teachers after the new policy had been announced," Rulinda intimated.