In 2026, Uganda’s education landscape is currently embracing skilling of learners beyond academic excellence. Schools that offer this unique value preposition stand out as the number one choice of parents and guardians.
Gone are the days when vocational training was an afterthought, relegated to adult schools and most recently, secondary schools.
The government of Uganda has championed and reinforced action towards skill-based learning, through the introduction of the Directorate of Industrial Training (DIT) learning that focuses on hands-on skills training rather than academic theory.
The key focus areas for this training are agriculture (poultry farming, piggery, crop production, technical (electrical installation, plumbing, welding, motor vehicle mechanics), and business and arts (catering, fashion and design, secretarial studies).
However, this move is more pronounced at the secondary level of the learner’s education. Very few primary schools in Uganda offer skilling at this level of the child’s learning.
Muhika Junior schools stands with a broad-based skilling center dubbed the Muhika Skilling Center that offers learners with skill in baking, arts, crafts and tailoring, swimming, and music. This is a strategic move in changing the fabric of the education system.
By integrating DIT-aligned skilling, the skills positively impacts the learners, community and Uganda’s education sector at large.
At the Muhika Skilling center, practical skills are woven into the fabric of early education, offering children as young as six the opportunity to discover their talents and develop hand-on expertise.
The school also celebrates Mugabe, who was crowned Little Miss Uganda on 22nd December, 2025 at the age of five. She will be representing Uganda in Kenya at the Little Miss and Mr. International pageantry against participants from other African countries.
In his speech during the thanks giving ceremony held at Muhika Junior School, Mr. Edward Muhigirwa, chairperson board of directors explains the importance of this initiative.
“We want a holistic child who can excel in both the academic and survival skills side. This is why we are deliberately in equipping the school digitally in all our classrooms and computer laboratories,” Mr. Muhigirwa says
According to him, some of the key challenges faced in managing the school is high taxes which negatively affect the operations of the school and slows progress. He therefore calls upon the government to support the school inform of grants and tax holidays in order to facilitate meaningful impact.
Following the results were released by the Ministry of Education and Sports on Friday 30th January, 2026, the school achieved an impressive 85 percent success rate
Out of 15 candidates, 12 attained First Grade and three achieved second grade. Leading the Cohort were Kirabo Devine Elianah and Nyanzi Solomon Birimuye, each scoring an aggregate of six. Muhika emerged 4th in Kira Municipality and 245 countrywide.
Margaret Donata, Chairperson of the School Management Committee, announced plans for expansion this year with focus on more talent acquisition.
“This year we are expanding and we will be opening a soccer academy to further explore the talents of our students. We are also increasing the number of smart boards in our class rooms because we have realized that students learn faster when teaching is fun, intentional and dynamic to meet current need,” she said.
From academic distinction to artistic extra-curricular success, Muhika Junior School continues to rise, shaping confident, capable learners prepared to excel in a competitive and evolving world.
