Navigating Administrative Prerequisites For Effective Implementation Of Competency Based Curriculum In Universal Primary Education Schools: a Case Of Otuke District, Uganda

Abstract

Uganda introduced the Competency Based Curriculum (CBC) in 2020 to transform its education system from a knowledge based model to a learner centred approach that promotes practical skills, critical thinking, collaboration, and lifelong learning. While this reform aims to improve educational quality and align learning outcomes with National Development Goals (NDP), its effective implementation in Universal Primary Education (UPE) schools particularly in rural Districts such as Otuke depends heavily on administrative readiness. This study employed documentary analysis of peer reviewed literature, policy briefs, and institutional reports published between 2019 and 2025 to examine the administrative prerequisites necessary for successful CBC implementation. Findings revealed that leadership preparedness, sustained professional development, adequate resource allocation, structured monitoring systems, and stakeholder collaboration are critical determinants of effective implementation. However, many schools face significant challenges, including insufficient leadership training specific to CBC, limited instructional materials, inadequate ICT infrastructure, financial constraints, weak supervision mechanisms, and resistance to pedagogical change. These challenges are more pronounced in rural contexts, where infrastructural and capacity limitations constrain administrative effectiveness. The study further indicates that schools demonstrating proactive leadership, collaborative professional learning communities, systematic mentoring, and data-driven monitoring show stronger alignment with CBC principles. It concludes that bridging the policy implementation gap requires deliberate investment in leadership empowerment, resource mobilization, and institutional capacity building. Strengthening administrative prerequisites is therefore essential to ensuring sustainable CBC implementation and improving learner competency development across Uganda’s UPE school.