The government has initiated the phasing out of 22 non-core Primary Teacher Training Colleges (PTCs) throughout the country, intending to repurpose them for other programs.
Among the affected institutions, one will be transformed into a senior secondary school, five will become health training institutions, six will serve as campuses for various public universities, three will be repurposed as TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) skills training institutions, one as a TVET Agro-Vet institution, two as health tutors’ training institutions, and four as instructor training institutions.
The decision to phase out these PTCs followed consultations involving various stakeholders of the affected institutions, as stated by Education Minister Janet Museveni. However, she also emphasized that the operationalization of the repurposed institutions is contingent on the availability of financial resources.
Museveni assured those affected by the closures, particularly students who wish to retake their examinations, that arrangements would be made to accommodate them in the remaining 23 core PTCS (Primary Teacher Training Colleges).
The Education Ministry is also taking measures to ensure that ongoing reforms under the National Teacher Policy 2019 do not negatively impact continuing students in teacher training institutions. Museveni urged the ministry’s technical team to collaborate with Kyambogo University to prevent any disruption for these students.
Furthermore, the Education Ministry called on Kyambogo University to work closely with key stakeholders to swiftly adopt the National Teacher Policy 2019.
Here is a list of the phased-out PTCs and their respective repurposed options:
- Jinja PTC – Jinja – Repurposed as a Senior Secondary School
- Kotido PTC – Kotido – Campus of Gulu University
- Erepi PTC – Moyo – Campus of Muni University
- Paidha PTC – Zombo – Campus of Kyambogo University
- Kabwangasi PTC – Butebo – Campus of Busitema University
- Rukungiri PTC – Rukungiri – Campus of Kabale University
- Canon Lawrence PTC Bomboro – Lira city – Campus of Lira University
- Bundibugyo PTC – Bundibugyo – Transformed into a Health Training Institution
- Kisoro PTC – Kisoro – Transformed into a Health Training Institution
- Busikho PTC – Busia – Transformed into a Health Training Institution
- Kapchorwa PTC – Kapchorwa – Transformed into a Health Training Institution
- St. Augustine PTC Butiti – Kyenjojo – Transformed into a Health Training Institution
- Buhungiro PTC – Isingiro – Repurposed as a TVET Skills Training Institution
- Kiyoora PTC – Ntungamo – Transformed into a TVET Agro-Vet Institution
- Rakai PTC – Kyotera – Repurposed as a TVET Skills Training Institution
- Kamurasi PTC – Masindi – Repurposed as an Instructor Training Institution
- Kabukunge PTC – Kalungu – Repurposed as an Instructor Training Institution
- Kaliro PTC – Kaliro – Repurposed as an Instructor Training Institution
- Bikungu PTC – Mitooma – Repurposed as an Instructor Training Institution
- Bwera PTC – Kasese – Repurposed as an Instructor Training Institution
- St. Mary’s PTC Bukedea – Bukedea – Transformed into a Health Tutor’s Training Institution
- Christ The King PTC Gulu – Gulu city – Transformed into a Health Tutor’s Training Institution