On 23-26 March, 2025, we participated in the 2025 Comparative International Education Society (CIES) 69^th Annual Conference that took place in Chicago, USA, under the theme: Envisioning Education in a Digital Society. Together with counterparts in the Regional Education Learning Initiative (RELI) Africa, Action for Life Skills and Values in East Africa (ALiVE) and People’s Action for Learning (PAL) Network we presented on the following panels:

a)       A panel discussion on ‘What works in adolescent skills: How evidenced, localised solutions are equipping young people with the skills that Africa needs’ that took place on 23^rd March 2025. The session emphasised the need for evidence-based, local solutions to teach young people 21st-century skills. It focused on training teachers, updating curricula, and involving governments to prepare young people for work and life. Continuous evaluation and feedback were also deemed essential for effective, lasting life skills education. Our presentation on the panel was titled ‘Building capacity to assess and nurture adolescents' life skills [& Values]: Insights from an East African initiative’ can be accessed here

b)      A panel discussion on Equipping Learners for a Dynamic Digital Future: Insights from Integrating 21st Century Skills in East Africa’s Education Systems that took place on 26^th March 2025. The panel focused on developing and implementing frameworks through ALiVE that have potential to strengthen teacher education, curriculum and assessment systems in East Africa to cultivate the skills and values that young people need to thrive. The full panel presentation can be accessed here

Thanks to everyone who participated in our sessions, as well as those whose sessions we had the privilege to attend and learn from. Strengthening our education systems to create environments where all children can develop foundational literacy, numeracy, life skills and values – essential for further learning, work, and a meaningful life – demands collaboration and shared insights. We are truly thankful for this experience. Looking forward to reconnecting at the 2026 CIES conference in San Francisco!

On March 18, 2025, Uwezo Uganda released its latest national learning assessment report, based on a survey conducted between July and August 2024 across 29 districts in Uganda. Titled ‘Are Our Children Learning? Learning Recovery and Challenges for Uganda,’ the report assesses children’s reading and numeracy skills in 2024, offering a comparison with findings from 2021, when Uwezo last conducted a similar assessment during the Covid-19 pandemic and its associated school closures. The report was officially launched by Dr. Cleophus Mugenyi, Commissioner for Basic Education at the Ministry of Education and Sports, on behalf of the State Minister for Primary Education. During the launch, Dr. Mugenyi reaffirmed the government’s commitment to implementing the report’s recommendations.

The findings reveal a concerning decline in children’s average reading proficiency—both in English and local languages—compared to upper primary learners in 2021, likely a lingering consequence of reduced school attendance during the pandemic-related closures. On a positive note, the report highlights improvements in numeracy skills. It also underscores a gradual recovery from the prolonged school closures of 2020–2021. Pre-primary enrollment is steadily rebounding, and children aged 6–10, the target group for lower primary education, are showing English reading and numeracy levels that align more closely with those recorded in 2018, with fewer children classified as non-readers or non-numerate.

The report emphasises that enhancing literacy and numeracy at foundational levels is crucial for progress. It advocates for expanded access to Early Childhood Development (ECD) programs and stresses the need to tackle persistent challenges that hinder learning outcomes. Key recommendations include allocating resources to recruit more teachers, particularly for lower primary grades, and ensuring their equitable distribution across government-aided primary schools. Additionally, the report calls for targeted initiatives to support children who have fallen behind in literacy and numeracy, enabling them to catch up and fully benefit from their primary education.

The complete assessment report is available for download at: https://uwezouganda.org/download/Uwezo_Uganda_2024_Assessment%20Report_Launch%20Version.pdf

A summary of key findings can be accessed at: https://uwezouganda.org/download/Uwezo_Uganda_Key_Facts_Launch%20Version.pdf

On Friday, 28th February 2025, we bid a heartfelt farewell to Azamu, our esteemed Accountant for five years since 2020. A pillar of dedication, excellence & selflessness, Azamu's impact is immeasurable!

Amidst the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, Azamu remained a pillar of dedication, commitment, and hard work, ensuring financial stability and accountability during the uncertain times. His unwavering commitment to excellence has played a crucial role in shaping our financial systems, ensuring transparency, and supporting the growth of the organisation. Despite the difficulties faced in the early years, including navigating economic uncertainties, Azamu handled every challenge with resilience and professionalism, earning the respect and admiration of colleagues. His expertise and attention to detail have not only strengthened our financial systems but have also inspired colleagues with a strong work ethic and team spirit.  Azamu’s unwavering commitment, professionalism, and dedication have left a lasting impact on the team and the organisation as a whole. As we bid farewell, we extend our deepest gratitude for his invaluable contributions. While we will miss his presence, we celebrate the legacy of hard work and dedication he leaves behind:

‘The past five years with Azamu have been truly remarkable. He has played a key role in ensuring tasks are completed efficiently. Even during challenging moments when things seemed stuck, he had a way of making things work seamlessly. His willingness to help has always stood out—whenever you knocked on his door, he was ready to assist. [Colleague]

When I received the email, I was truly shocked and wondered why Azamu was leaving. Every requisition from him was always meticulously quality-assured, making approvals seamless and effortless. His dedication, selflessness, and unwavering positivity—always carrying a smile even in the most challenging moments—have been truly admirable. [Board member]

Thank you for being our guiding voice (pastor) during meetings; there is no doubt that you have fulfilled your expectations. Most importantly, we deeply appreciate your patience, especially when we faced technical issues—you would stay online until everything was resolved. [Board member]

Azamu, you have been a true gift to Uwezo. We are grateful for your invaluable time and service over the past five years and wish you abundant blessings as you embark on this new chapter. [Colleague]

In his farewell speech, Azamu expressed deep gratitude to the staff for their unwavering support throughout his tenure:

 “This was such a very difficult decision for me to make and I required a great deal of faith to take this step. Before joining Uwezo, I prayed for the opportunity to be part of this organisation, and I am grateful that I was given the chance. I thank the management for giving me a chance to serve.  The team has been very supportive anytime I needed help from them.  I have made brothers and sisters with whom we have shared and learnt a lot. The supportive culture at Uwezo Uganda is really good and I thank my colleagues for making my work easy and successful.

I want to thank Uwezo Uganda Board members.” We are blessed as Uwezo for the Board members who are responsive and always available. I also extend my heartfelt thanks to Uwezo Uganda’s Executive Director whom I had the privilege of reporting to, your continuous guidance and support has been instrumental in my growth and improvement as an accountant and this has made my work possible and a success.

Azamu, we wholeheartedly wish you success in your future endeavours. Your contributions have left a lasting mark, and you will always be a cherished part of our family. We hope this new journey brings you nothing but the best!

We are delighted to invite you to the launch of the Uwezo Uganda 2024 National Learning Assessment Report titled Are our children learning? Learning recovery and challenges for Uganda, taking place on the 18th March 2025. 

You can access more of our reports at https://uwezouganda.org/publications/reports

By Joseph Kasasa and Vincent Kalibbala

On Tuesday , 18^th February 2025, we bid a heartfelt farewell to Winfred Mutoni who had served as the Administration and Communications intern since July 2025. As we paused to say goodbye, the staff at Uwezo Uganda reflected on the incredible contributions and qualities Winnie brought to our workplace.

Some of her qualities include, but not limited to her positive attitude towards work, colleagues noted her courage in facing challenges head-on, never shying away from new tasks that she had never done. Her willingness to take on new challenges was particularly admired, as she consistently demonstrated a proactive approach, eager to learn and grow in every situation.

In her farewell speech, she expressed deep gratitude to the staff for their unwavering support throughout her tenure. She highlighted the conducive work environment that allowed her to thrive, crediting the team’s support and encouragement for her growth.

“Thank you so much for the opportunity and guidance during this period. It has been transformative for me and it will guide me in my next career”, Winfred lovingly noted.

To Winfred, we extend our warmest farewell and wish you the very best of luck in your new journey ahead. May your future be filled with success, growth, and endless opportunities to shine as brightly as you did here.

To learn more about our graduate internships, who can apply and how, please visit our website at https://uwezouganda.org/careers/internships  

By Vincent Kalibbala and Joseph Kasasa

Yesterday, 18^th February 2025, Uwezo Uganda handed over chairship of the People’s Action for Learning Network (PAL Network) Eastern and Southern Africa (ESA) Hub to Usawa Agenda, having served in the role since 2023. Leading this incredible network has been an honor and a privilege. We extend our sincere gratitude to the PAL Network Secretariat for their invaluable support over the past two years—Asante sana! Much appreciation to fellow ESA Hub member organisations, including Zizi Afrique Foundation, Youth Impact, Facilidade, UwezoTanzania and Usawa Agenda, for your passion and dedication as we collectively continued to pursue a region where all children acquire a foundation for lifelong learning, through assessment, research, action and advocacy. Together we can continue to make a difference.

Congratulations, and best wishes to Usawa Agenda as you steer us into the future!

For more information about the work of the PAL Network, please visit: https://palnetwork.org/

Action for Life Skills and Values in East Africa (ALiVE) – Uganda participated and presented at the 9th Schools administrators workshop organised by the Kingdom of Buganda on the importance of Social - Emotional Learning and its role in Education: Nurturing Students Holistically". Administrators were enlighted on the ALiVE approach in nurturing and assessing the non-cognitive skills (Values and Lifeskills). The presentation can be accessed here

Action for Life Skills and Values in East Africa (ALiVE) – Uganda presented at the 15th Women’s Round Table Conference organised by the Uganda National Teachers’ Union (UNATU) about the role of Life skills and values in tackling School-Related Gender-Based Violence. The presentation can be accessed here

Uwezo Uganda is participating in the 3rd KIX Continental Symposium on Research in Education in Africa taking place at the African Union in Addis. Our Executive Director, Dr Mary Goretti Nakabugo presented a paper sharing insights emerging from this collaborative regarding innovating contextualised tools for assessing life skill and values in East Africa. The presentation can be accessed here

Uwezo Uganda is participating in the BIACE (British Association for International Comparative Education) conference 2024 taking place at University of Sussex.

Our ED, Mary Goretti Nakabugo will present evidence from our research and assessment into schooling and learning in refugee contexts in Uganda and learning from counterparts who have undertaken research in similar contexts elsewhere.