State House, Nakasero- In a bold move to tackle youth unemployment, First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni, has affirmed the Government’s commitment to towards Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sub-sector. During the release of the Uganda Business Technical Examinations Board (UBTEB) examinations results for July/August 2024 on 24th October 2024, she emphasized the need to expand access and equity, especially for female students and persons with disabilities, and to improve the infrastructure and training offered in TVET institutions.

 

The proposed interventions aim to make vocational training more accessible, affordable, and relevant to industry needs. This includes plans to build new institutions and upgrade existing ones, along with a significant allocation of resources to support TVET delivery and training. With 41 Community Polytechnics and Technical Schools, 84 Vocational Training Institutes, and 21 technical colleges currently in operation, the government is committed to enhancing the quality of training to ensure that graduates possess the skills necessary to thrive in a competitive job market. “Our approach is to make the existing TVET institutions fully operational and functional by ensuring that not only are the basic infrastructure and equipment in place but also skilled trainers,” Hon Janet Kataaha Museveni, added.

 

The First Lady/ Minister of Education and Sports, Hon Janet Kataaha Museveni was impressed by the growing numbers of female students in TVET institutions and good grades obtained by female students at 84% completion rate compared to male students at 80% in TVET programs. This success is attributed to targeted scholarships and a decentralized admission system. These initiatives are designed to empower and promote female uptake of TVET and special needs learners in fields critical to the country's development. “For females, this scholarship targeted attracting increased enrolment into what we refer to as “scarce skills such as mechanical engineering and road construction, automotive mechanics, architecture and the like,” Hon Janet K Museveni, emphasized.

 

Dr. Eng. Silver Mugisha, the Board Chairperson, stressed the importance of aligning training with industry trends and called for the development of a TVET Qualifications Framework to ensure quality standards. Mugisha also congratulated the UBTEB Secretariat upon attaining ISO Certification. “The fact that the Board has gained ISO certification is a sign that the examination processes are well handled and authentic,” Mugisha added. 

The Board Chairperson highlighted some initiatives, by the Board, aimed at enhancing the quality of TVET assessment and the need for better facilities and hands-on training, urging the government to address existing funding gaps for crucial projects, such as the Assessment Centre Project, which is nearing completion.

 

The Executive Secretary, Onesmus Oyesigye (CPA), also highlighted that female candidates outcompeted male candidates in the National Diploma in Fashion and Garment Design, National Diploma in Mechanical Engineering, National Diploma in Architecture, and all Business diploma programmes.  

In his conclusive marks, the Executive Secretary extended his appreciation to the Honourable Minister and her technical team for the invaluable support and continuous guidance on policy matters, the Board members under the chairmanship of Dr. Eng Silver Mugisha, the Secretariat staff, the examination managers who were involved in the conduct of examinations, Uganda Police and other security agencies that assisted the Board with storage facilities and helped to conduct smooth examinations.