As we step into 2025, the Uganda Business and Technical Examinations Board (UBTEB) is gearing up for an exciting and transformative year. The New Year’s address to staff members was delivered during the Monthly Prayer Breakfast on Friday 7th January 2025. The January 2025 prayer breakfast provided a unique opportunity for reflection and setting the tone for the year ahead. During his address, Onesmus Oyesigye (CPA), UBTEB’s Executive Secretary, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the staff and outlined the organization's key focus areas for the year. His message emphasized the importance of continued collaboration, innovative practices, and a shared commitment to achieving UBTEB’s mission and goals.

Mr. Oyesigye’s address centered on several vital areas that will shape UBTEB’s performance and service delivery in 2025, reinforcing the organization’s core values and mission.

The Executive Secretary stressed the need for UBTEB to elevate its performance to new heights in 2025. He emphasized that the goal is not just to meet expectations but to exceed them. Each individual within the organization plays a crucial role in driving success, whether through boosting productivity, improving service quality, or ensuring impactful results. "Our focus should be on innovation, efficiency, and a proactive approach to overcoming challenges," Mr. Oyesigye noted. By constantly asking, “How can we do this better?” and “How can we add more value?” UBTEB aims to remain relevant and impactful within the TVET subsector.

A key component of UBTEB’s continued success lies in fostering effective communication and collaboration at all levels. Mr. Oyesigye highlighted communication as the cornerstone of any successful organization and called for a renewed focus on transparency and openness in 2025. He urged staff to work together across departments, eliminating barriers to information flow, which will enhance efficiency, reduce misunderstandings, and align efforts toward shared goals.

In today’s fast-evolving technological landscape, UBTEB recognizes that innovation and technology are essential for continued growth. Mr. Oyesigye made a strong call to prioritize ICT advancements and innovative solutions in all areas of the organization. He specifically highlighted the need to strengthen the IT department to handle issues such as results management, coursework, and online registrations. Embracing technology will help streamline UBTEB’s operations, increase productivity, and improve service delivery, ensuring that the organization remains competitive and relevant in the digital age.

A major achievement for UBTEB in 2024 was attaining ISO certification. Mr. Oyesigye emphasized the importance of maintaining high standards and adhering to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in all operations. ISO compliance will ensure quality, efficiency, and continuous improvement across the organization. Mr. Oyesigye called upon everyone to uphold these standards consistently, not only strengthening UBTEB’s reputation but also ensuring the delivery of top-quality results for stakeholders.

The Executive Secretary also underscored the importance of talent identification and staff development. He emphasized that UBTEB’s greatest asset is its people and that 2025 will see an increased focus on providing growth opportunities for staff. This includes investing in personal and professional development, building leadership pipelines, and ensuring the necessary skills are in place to meet future challenges. Mr. Oyesigye therefore encouraged the HR department to develop a comprehensive plan for managing talent and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

UBTEB’s commitment to providing excellent service to clients was a key theme in the Executive Secretary’s address. He outlined the organization’s mission to not only meet expectations but to consistently deliver quality services. This includes prioritizing effective communication, innovation, and adherence to high standards, all of which contribute to a service delivery framework that is efficient, transparent, and responsive to the needs of stakeholders.

He recognized that clients’ satisfaction is deeply tied to the strength of UBTEB’s internal processes and relationships with stakeholders. By ensuring that internal operations align with the highest standards, and embracing technological advancements, UBTEB aims to improve its overall service delivery. Through continuous collaboration with stakeholders and fostering a culture of transparency, UBTEB will be able to meet and exceed client expectations, ensuring the long-term success and impact of the organization.

Looking ahead, the Executive Secretary also addressed the upcoming merger with the Uganda Vocational Technical and Business (UVTAB) entity. He encouraged staff to embrace the changes resulting from the merger, urging them to remain adaptable and prepared for the legal and procedural reforms that will follow. He reassured everyone that proper guidance and clarification would be provided during the transition, emphasizing the importance of professionalism and teamwork to ensure smooth integration.

In closing, Mr. Oyesigye expressed deep gratitude to all staff members for their unwavering dedication and hard work throughout 2024. He acknowledged the collective effort of the entire team, noting that their commitment had been instrumental in the successes achieved during the previous year. As UBTEB moves into 2025, Mr. Oyesigye called upon everyone to remain committed to the organization’s core values and to work together with renewed strength and purpose.

With a clear focus on performance, quality service delivery, and innovation, UBTEB is well-positioned for another year of growth and success. The Executive Secretary’s address has set a hopeful and determined tone for 2025, and the entire organization is poised to rise to the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.