In a harmonious exchange of knowledge and expertise, officials from the National Curriculum Development Center (NCDC) recently embarked on a courtesy visit to the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC). The purpose of this visit was to gain insights and benchmark the remarkable successes achieved by NWSC’s External Services Unit (ESU).
A government institution under the Ministry of Education and Sports, NCDC’s pivotal role is to develop national curricula and related programs for primary, secondary, and selected tertiary institutions. Eager to broaden their horizons and create a similar wing in the near future, NCDC officials set out to delve into the world of NWSC’s ESU.
During the meeting on a momentous Tuesday, August 1, 2023, Dr. Rose Kaggwa, the dynamic head of NWSC’s ESU, wholeheartedly welcomed and briefed the NCDC officials on the unit’s accomplishments over the past 18 years. She shared her valuable experiences and recounted the unit’s humble beginnings as a mere section under the institutional development and external services division. Remarkably, it has now evolved into a fully-fledged department that provides an array of services worldwide through hard work and sheer determination.
Dr. Kaggwa passionately elaborated on the unit’s astounding growth and global influence, which can be credited to unwavering determination and strategic partnerships. She proudly highlighted the diverse services offered by the department, ranging from advisory and technical assistance to capacity building, training, and conferencing facilities, among others.
A turning point for NWSC’s ESU came in 2014 when they introduced a vocational training school. This innovative addition played a crucial role in nurturing and showcasing various specialized skills and capabilities developed within the ESU. Designed with NWSC’s operations in mind, this specialized curriculum seamlessly aligns with the corporation’s long-term development plan. Dr. Kaggwa passionately encouraged the benchmarking team from NCDC to embrace clear guidelines and transparent systems in pursuit of their goal, ensuring profitability and sustainability.
In her inspiring address, Dr. Kaggwa underscored the vital importance of marketing and promoting the diverse services offered by the ESU. By doing so, the unit creates a platform from which business can flourish and multiple streams of income can be generated. This, she asserted, is the key to achieving a culture of self-sustainability within the department, which requires a constant drive for innovation.
Edison Muzahura, a Senior Manager within ESU, proudly declared the department’s profound impact in supporting Uganda’s local water sector. Through valuable partnerships with umbrella organizations, NWSC’s ESU has played a significant role in training technical staff. As a testament to their excellence, other industry players now look up to them as a benchmark, elevating NWSC’s reputation on an international scale. Muzahura generously urged the NCDC team to aspire for similar achievements in their own operations.
Dr. Richard Irumba, the visionary NCDC Deputy Director, wholeheartedly commended NWSC for its transformative leadership, serving as a guiding light for other institutions within the country. Enthusiastically acknowledging NWSC’s precedent, he revealed that NCDC is currently in the process of establishing a similar department. He emphasized that this trip to NWSC has been nothing short of enlightening and will undoubtedly serve as a valuable guide in shaping their future endeavors.
The meeting was ideal for collaboration and inspiration. With a fervent desire to nurture education and enhance their own services, NCDC eagerly absorbed the wisdom and knowledge shared by NWSC’s esteemed experts. As they embark on their journey to establish a similar wing, NCDC understands that starting small and building upon experience is the key to success. With unwavering dedication, innovation, and an unyielding commitment to self-sustainability, NCDC is bound to transform education and pave the way for a brighter future.
