By Ibrahim Ruhweza
It’s 4:00pm at Kyambogo College in Kampala and students are out for practical lessons, as the new curriculum prescribes.
Senior One students are already taking the lead. Several of them say it is their first time holding a hoe, a panga or a pump sprayer. They are excited about their first-time experience.
To get ready to spray crops, you need to put on a nasal cover, an overall, gumboots and a helmet.
Agricultural teacher Asa Natukunda was instructing Naume Apili, a Senior One student, while in the garden.
“It was a nice experience to spray crops; I only see this from my neighbour,” Apili says.
Excited, she joins other classmates to plant seeds of dodo (amaranth), onions and green vegetables in their already tilled land. They engage in this activity during agriculture lessons.
Apili now understands that agriculture provides food for all families and that selling excess produce can generate income. Inspired, she aspires to become an agronomist — an expert in soil management and crop production.
Natukunda, who is skilled in vocational pedagogy, says the new curriculum is diverse and can help learners become self-sufficient even in tough times.
She notes that introducing agriculture to students who are unfamiliar with it is challenging; she starts with what each child has seen or used before.
“That is how they develop interest rather than being introduced to things they do not know,” Natukunda explains.
It’s been almost a year and she believes students now have some knowledge of farming, thanks to the new skills they have acquired.
The school provides all the necessary agricultural tools to facilitate farming and to encourage every student to participate.
Natukunda says more experienced students assist their peers who are new to farming. In her absence, the more knowledgeable students take the lead, a practice she refers to as vertical learning.
What Mugume wants
Most schools aim for better academic performance from their students, but Stanley Mugume, the headteacher of Kyambogo College, believes that visible and tangible results are most important.
He asserts that times have changed and each student needs skills and knowledge in farming. The college has over 30 acres of land, four of which are have banana plantations for staff and students to both consume and learn from.
Two years ago, when Mugume was transferred to Kyambogo College, his primary goal was to see practical learning integrated into all students’ education.
Today, Kyambogo students engage in hands-on agricultural lessons.
Mugume views this as an effective way of showing learners that agriculture is a viable and essential career path.
According to the Uganda Bureau of Statistics, the Ugandan population has reached 45.9 million. With such a large population needing food, agriculture is critical for sustenance.
Mugume believes that once each child learns and practices farming, the threat of starvation will become a thing of the past.
Moreover, he says farming employs over 70% of Uganda’s population, highlighting that white-collar jobs are limited compared to the available workforce.
Mugume acknowledges that students who will be at the college for four or six years will not remain the same.
He aspires for the college to become a leader in producing students who are passionate about farming, while still considering academic performance.
At Kyambogo College, students can be seen carrying cabbages and dodo from the gardens, visibly excited about their first harvests. During our visit, students were taking their produce home to show their parents.
“I want to show my mum this cabbage; I know she will be inspired,” said one student.
Despite being located in the urban area of Kampala city, which might focus more on other subjects than farming, Mugume believes that the large land area provides an opportunity for students to be inspired and carry these ideas back to their homes.
He suggests that the education ministry should make agriculture mandatory in schools, so that every institution can produce, not only academic scholars, but also well-trained farmers.
Mugume’s proposal aligns with the administration’s suggestion for Bukalasa College to become an agricultural university.
Skilling agricultural extension workers
Established in 1929 by the colonial government as a cotton breeding centre, Bukalasa College has evolved into a reputable agricultural training institution.
It is known for producing skilled agricultural extension workers in crop production, animal husbandry, agribusiness and horticulture.
Experts at Bukalasa College argue that these fields require well-trained farmers, who can produce quality food and adhere to food production standards.
Charles Yudra, the assistant academic registrar, believes that turning Bukalasa into a technical and quality control centre for agricultural training will help foster high standards in food production.
He says once Bukalasa becomes an agricultural university, it will oversee other agricultural training colleges in Uganda, ensuring quality curriculum, assessments and awards.
Mugume envisions that in the coming years, Kyambogo College graduates will have extensive knowledge of farming, which is crucial for Uganda’s economy.
The students are already motivated to become exceptional farmers after gaining the necessary skills and knowledge. Brian Kasita, a 14-year-old Senior One student, says: “I want to be a successful farmer and civil engineer.”
Despite limited land at home, he practices urban farming using buckets and sacks.
“My parents understand my goals and are supportive.”
Kasita is among many students who expressed their aspirations to become top farmers.
Aldrin Arinda and Godiver Ayebare, also in Senior One, are hopeful that their solid start in farming lessons will lead to promising employment opportunities in the future.
Morale boost
To realise the school’s vision, Mugume does not work alone; he collaborates with other teachers and recognises their efforts with termly and annual awards.
He believes this practice has motivated teachers to work with increased vigour.
“Changing the mindset of teachers is crucial. Every Monday, I hold a staff briefing. We have worked together and results are showing. Last year, we had two students score 20 points,” he says.
Anticipations
Mugume anticipates restoring the college’s former glory, which he believes has been long overdue.
Once this is achieved, he expects to see improvements in student performance, better public relations with the surrounding community and enhanced teacher welfare.
70 years in existence
Kyambogo College, established in 1954 as a small demonstration junior secondary school adjacent to Kyambogo Teacher Training College (now Kyambogo University), has evolved significantly over the years.
The college is now developing strategic plans, beginning with infrastructural improvements. The old asbestos iron sheets are outdated and Mugume emphasises the need for renovation to create a conducive environment for learners, teachers and support staff. Currently, with the help of former students, the access road has been tarmacked.
LEAD PHOTO CAPTION: Mugume with his students at one of the school’s demonstration farms. Photo by Godiver Asege
