MakDQA Trains Law School Staff on Curriculum Mapping for Competence-Based Education
The Makerere University Directorate of Quality Assurance (MakDQA) trained staff of the Makerere University School of Law (MakSoL) in curriculum mapping for Competence-Based Education (CBE), as the University prepares to implement revised competency-based curricula.
The training, held on Friday, 28 August 2026, focused on strengthening the School’s capacity to align its curriculum, teaching and learning activities, assessment methods, and expected graduate competencies with CBE principles.
The initiative forms part of Makerere University’s response to the Government of Uganda directive to Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to enhance the quality and relevance of academic programmes and transition towards more competence-oriented teaching, learning and assessment.
Welcoming participants, Dean of MakSoL, Professor Ronald Naluwairo, said the initial focus would be on undergraduate programmes, in line with the Ministry of Education and Sports directive, implemented through the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE), for universities to adopt competency-based curricula. Implementation of the revised curricula is scheduled to begin in the 2027/2028 academic year.
During the training, participants explored curriculum mapping as a tool for aligning programme and course learning outcomes with teaching strategies and assessment methods. They also examined how the existing law curriculum could be mapped against the competencies expected of graduates.
Director of MakDQA, Dr. Cyprian Misinde, urged staff to take the transition seriously and adhere to approved processes, standards and timelines in curriculum development and implementation. “Effective implementation requires careful planning, appropriate programme design and a deliberate focus on equipping students with the knowledge, skills and competencies needed for professional practice,” Dr. Misinde said.
He noted that curriculum mapping helps academic units identify gaps, overlaps and areas requiring improvement while promoting quality, consistency and continuous enhancement of academic programmes.
The interactive session also provided an opportunity for staff to discuss challenges associated with introducing a competency-based curriculum at MakSoL. Participants agreed that the Law Council Committee on Legal Education and Training (CLET) and other relevant stakeholders would be consulted for guidance throughout the curriculum mapping process.
