The future of teacher education is increasingly being shaped by how effectively teachers, teacher educators, practitioners and regulators can harness digital technology, artificial intelligence and practical digital skills. This was the main focus of discussions during the International Teacher Education Conference (ITEC) 2026, held at Hotel Africana, Kampala, from 1–2 October 2026.
Held under the theme, “Teachers at the Heart of Reform: Transforming Teacher Education for Human Capital Development in the 21st Century,” the two-day conference provided a platform for conversations around teacher capacity, innovation, digital technologies, artificial intelligence and the changing demands of education in the 21st century. Being the first of its kind since the establishment of the Uganda National Institute of Teacher Education (UNITE), the conference brought together teachers, teacher educators, practitioners, regulators and other education stakeholders to explore emerging priorities and opportunities in teacher education.
As co-sponsors and exhibitors, Eight Tech Consults took an active role in the conference program. The company’s Chief Technology Officer, Prof.Dr. Drake Patrick Mirembe, moderated a session focusing on the deployment of digital technologies and the standardisation of training methodologies to transform teacher education. The session explored the importance of equipping educators with the skills and approaches needed to integrate technology meaningfully into teaching and learning.
Furthermore, the company’s Chief Executive Officer, Prof. Jude T. Lubega also facilitated an interactive lab session focusing on the responsible use of digital technology and generative AI in teaching, learning and research. The session provided participants with an opportunity to engage with emerging technologies while considering how they can be applied responsibly and purposefully within education.
The company’s participation also extended to showcasing its work under the “Strengthening Digital Learning Ecosystems for In and Out-of-School Children and Adolescents in Uganda” programme. The project team, led by Chief Operations Officer, CPA Baker Ssekitto, presented the programme being implemented in partnership with UNICEF Uganda and the Airtel Africa Foundation, highlighting approaches to equipping young people with practical digital skills and strengthening digital learning ecosystems.
The most notable highlight of the event on the part of Eight Tech, UNICEF Uganda and Airtel Africa Foundation was the embracing of the adaptable Digital Skills Training Toolkit by several attendees including, the Acting Minister of Education and Sports, Hon.Dr. J.C Muyingo, Permanent Secretary for Ministry of Education and Sports Uganda, Dr.Kedrace Turyagyenda, the Vice Chancellor of ISBAT University, Prof. (Col.) Dr. K.M Mathew, the Prime Minister of Busoga Kingdom and Executive Director of National Planning Authority(NPA), Dr. Joseph Muvawala, among others.
PHOTO: Eight Tech’s COO, CPA Baker Ssekitto presenting the “Strengthening Digitla Learning Ecosystems for In and Out-of-School Children and Adolescents in Uganda” programme outcomes to the Acting Minister of Education and Sports, Hon.Dr. J.CMuyingo
The toolkit is a practical resource to support digital skills development for In and Out-of-School children and adolescents and is designed to be adapted to different learning environments, institutions and contexts. Its flexibility makes it relevant to educators working across diverse settings while providing practical guidance for building digital competencies that can be applied in teaching, learning and everyday professional practice.
During the conference, the toolkit was distributed to teachers and education stakeholders from across Uganda, as well as the six Uganda National Institute of Teacher Education campuses. This provided an opportunity to extend access to practical digital skills resources to educators and teacher education institutions beyond the conference itself.
PHOTO: Some of the teachers and students from the 6 UNITE campuses who were distributed with the adaptable Digital Skills Training toolkit.
As Uganda continues to strengthen teacher education and prepare educators for an increasingly digital world, Eight Tech Consults remains committed to supporting this transformation through people-centred innovation, technology and services that contribute to stronger education systems and human capital development.
Eight Tech extends its appreciation to UNITE for hosting ITEC 2026 and to UNICEF Uganda and the Airtel Africa Foundation for their continued partnership and support towards advancing digital learning and skills development in Uganda.