The former National Teachers College Kabale is set to officially transition into the Uganda National Institute for Teacher Education (UNITE) Kabale campus, marking a major milestone in Uganda's teacher education reforms. The transformation is expected to expand degree-level teacher training, strengthen research and innovation, and enhance professional development opportunities for educators. Ahead of the official handover, campus leaders have welcomed the development while calling for increased government sponsorship to support the growing demand for teacher education.

The former National Teachers College (NTC) Kabale is entering a new chapter as it prepares to officially become the Uganda National Institute for Teacher Education (UNITE) Kabale Campus.

The transition forms part of government reforms under the National Teacher Policy, which transformed National Teachers Colleges into campuses of UNITE, a degree-awarding institution established to strengthen teacher training and professional development across the country.

Speaking during a press briefing held at the campus in Kekubo ahead of the official handover scheduled for June 18, the dean of UNITE Kabale Campus, Annet Komunda, said members of the UNITE Council are expected to visit the institution to familiarize themselves with its operations, facilities, and strategic priorities.

Komunda explained that the council will tour key facilities, including the pedagogical resource center, administration block, laboratories, demonstration farm, and other infrastructure that supports teaching and learning.

She noted that the transition represents a significant shift in Uganda's teacher education system, with the campus now offering bachelor's degree programs for both pre-service and in-service teachers.

According to Komunda, the move is intended to improve the quality of teacher preparation and equip educators with the competencies required in a modern and evolving education sector.

Meanwhile, the Academic Registrar of UNITE Kabale Campus, Gloria Atukunda, said the institution is committed to producing highly skilled, innovative, and competent teachers capable of responding to the changing demands of education.

Atukunda explained that UNITE was established to address longstanding gaps in teacher education, particularly at the pre-primary and primary levels, through the introduction of degree programs alongside certificate and diploma training.

She said the institution will also place greater emphasis on research, innovation, and continuous professional development for teachers.

The officials also appealed to government to increase sponsorship opportunities for students pursuing teacher education, noting that the demand for training continues to outpace the available sponsorship slots.

They argued that greater investment in teacher training is essential for improving the quality of education and addressing staffing gaps in schools across the country.

The official handover of the former NTC Kabale to UNITE Kabale Campus is expected to usher in a new era of teacher education in the Kigezi sub-region, positioning the institution as a center of excellence for degree training, research, innovation, and professional development.