Uganda Primary 6 Social Studies Curriculum

Term I

1. The East African Community (EAC)

• Historical Background of the EAC (1967-1977)
• The original EAC was founded in 1967, consisting of Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania. [
• Key personalities involved in its formation included Apollo Milton Obote (Uganda), Jomo Kenyatta (Kenya), and Julius Nyerere (Tanzania). [
• The objectives of the EAC were to promote economic cooperation, regional integration, and political unity among member states.
• Benefits included a common market, free movement of people and goods, and shared services.
• The EAC collapsed in 1977 due to political differences, economic imbalances, and national interests taking precedence. [
• Revival of the EAC (2001)
• The EAC was revived in 2001 with the same initial member states: Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania. [
• Rwanda and Burundi joined the EAC in 2007. [
• Objectives of the revived EAC include promoting regional integration, economic development, good governance, and strengthening cooperation among member states.
• Benefits of the revived EAC include increased trade, improved infrastructure, and greater political stability in the region.
• National symbols of the EAC countries represent their individual identities and cultural heritage.
• Symbols of the EAC represent unity, cooperation, and shared aspirations among member states.
• Peoples of East Africa
• East Africa is considered the cradle of humankind, with significant archaeological discoveries related to human origins. [
• Major ethnic groups in East Africa include Bantu, Nilotic, and Cushitic peoples, each with their own languages, cultures, and traditions. [
• Throughout history, various groups have visited and interacted with East Africa, contributing to its cultural diversity and development.
• Social, political, economic, and religious organizations have evolved over time, shaping the societies of East Africa.
• Factors influencing settlement patterns in East Africa include geography, climate, resources, and historical events.
• Population growth, distribution, and density are important factors in understanding the demographics and social dynamics of East Africa.
• Problems associated with population density include strain on resources, urbanization challenges, and social inequalities.
• Solutions to population-related problems include sustainable development, family planning, and improved infrastructure.

Term II

2. Major Resources of East Africa

• Land
• Plants (crops, forests) are essential resources for food, medicine, and economic activities.
• Cultivation methods, both traditional and modern, impact agricultural production and resource management.
• Domestic and wild animals play important roles in the livelihoods and ecosystems of East Africa.
• Tourism utilizes natural and cultural resources, contributing to economic development and cultural exchange.
• The location of forests, game parks, and cash crops influences economic activities and land use patterns.
• Problems related to land use include deforestation, soil erosion, and conflicts over resources.
• Minerals
• East Africa has diverse mineral resources, including metallic and non-metallic minerals.
• Traditional and modern mining methods impact resource extraction and environmental sustainability.
• Mineral distribution varies across East Africa, influencing economic development and trade.
• Minerals are a source of income and contribute to industrial development.
• Problems related to mining include environmental damage, social displacement, and economic inequalities.
• Water
• Drainage systems, including lakes, rivers, oceans, and swamps, are crucial for water resources and transportation.
• Water is used for various purposes, including agriculture, industry, domestic use, and energy generation.
• Fishing is an important economic activity in East Africa, providing livelihoods and food security.
• Traditional and modern fishing methods impact fish stocks and aquatic ecosystems.
• Fish preservation techniques are essential for food safety and economic value.
• Problems related to fishing include overfishing, pollution, and habitat destruction.

Term III

3. Transport and Communication in East Africa

• Communication
• Traditional means of communication, such as drums, horns, and messengers, played a vital role in pre-colonial societies.
• Modern means of communication, including telephones, radio, television, and the internet, have transformed information access and social interaction.
• Challenges in communication include access to technology, affordability, and digital literacy.
• Transport
• Traditional means of transport, such as walking, animals, and canoes, were essential for movement and trade.
• Modern means of transport, including roads, railways, air travel, and pipelines, have facilitated trade, travel, and economic development.
• Advantages and disadvantages of various forms of transport influence their suitability for different purposes.
• Solutions to transport problems include infrastructure development, traffic management, and sustainable transportation options.

4. The Road to Independence in East Africa

• Colonial Period
• Explorers from Europe played a role in mapping and documenting East Africa, paving the way for colonial expansion.
• Colonial rule brought significant changes to East Africa, including new administrative systems, economic exploitation, and social transformations.
• The impact of colonialism had both positive and negative consequences, shaping the political, economic, and social landscape of East Africa.
• Struggle for Independence
• Independence movements emerged in East Africa, challenging colonial rule and advocating for self-determination.
• Key personalities led the struggle for independence, mobilizing popular support and negotiating with colonial powers.
• Different approaches and strategies were used in the fight for independence, including peaceful protests, armed resistance, and political negotiations.
• Post-Independence
• Leaders of independent East African countries faced challenges in nation-building, economic development, and political stability.
• The formation of republics marked a transition from colonial rule to self-governance.
• Current political parties and systems reflect the diverse political landscape of East Africa.
• Challenges of post-independence East Africa include poverty, inequality, corruption, and ethnic conflicts.
• Democratic Rule
• Democracy is a system of government based on popular participation, citizen rights, and the rule of law.
• Democratic processes, such as elections, ensure citizen participation in decision-making.
• Political and civic education promote democratic values, citizen engagement, and responsible leadership.
• Citizenship confers rights and responsibilities, shaping individuals' roles in society.
• Basic rights of citizens include freedom of speech, assembly, and association.
• The electoral process ensures free and fair elections, promoting democratic transitions of power.
• Challenges of the electoral process include voter registration, election security, and transparency.
• Solutions to electoral challenges include electoral reforms, voter education, and independent election monitoring.

5. Responsible Living in the East African Environment

• Environmental Protection
• Sustainable use of the environment involves responsible resource management, environmental conservation, and waste management.
• The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) plays a role in environmental protection and regulation.
• Climate change poses significant challenges to East Africa, including droughts, floods, and environmental degradation.
• Consequences of irresponsible environmental behavior include pollution, resource depletion, and health risks.
• Solutions to environmental problems include sustainable practices, environmental education, and community involvement.