In accordance with Section 9 (1) (h) of Statutory Instrument 2009 No.9, the Uganda Business and Technical Examinations Board (UBTEB) held annual stakeholder feedback workshop on 10th October 2024 at four centers across the country. The theme of the workshop was “Leveraging ICT for Effective and Quality Assessment.” This theme was chosen in view of the Board’s focus on mainstreaming and integrating ICT in all examinations’ processes. The participants at the workshop  key partners in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), including government representatives, institutional heads, industry players, alumni, and educational experts.

The Board holds annual feedback shop with the view of providing a platform to engage stakeholders to share their experiences, challenges, and insights, ultimately refining UBTEB’s examination processes. Onesmus Oyesigye, UBTEB’s Executive Secretary, warmly welcomed stakeholders, emphasizing the significance of feedback in shaping the future of TVET assessment and examinations.

“It is with great pleasure that I welcome you to this important workshop. Your presence here today demonstrates your commitment to advancing TVET in Uganda. We value your input and look forward to constructive dialogue. This workshop represents a critical step in our continuous improvement journey, ensuring our examination processes meet the evolving needs of the labor market.” Oyesigye said

Oyesigye highlighted UBTEB’s notable achievements, including obtaining ISO 9001:2015 certification, developing real-life project guidelines, and digitalizing examination processes. These milestones underscored UBTEB’s dedication to enhancing service delivery and ensuring TVET graduates possess practical skills aligned with global standards. “ISO certification is a testament to our commitment to quality,” Oyesigye explained. “Our real-life project guidelines empower students to apply theoretical knowledge in practical settings. Digitalization has streamlined our examination processes, reducing administrative burdens and enhancing efficiency.”

UBTEB Board Chairperson, Dr. Eng. Silver Mugisha, commended stakeholders for their tireless efforts in producing competent professionals. He emphasized UBTEB’s unwavering commitment to aligning assessment systems with international standards and meeting the dynamic demands of the labor market. He argued UBTEB to aim to obtain ISO accreditation. “Your dedication is vital in shaping Uganda’s technical workforce,” Dr. Mugisha said. “We pledge to maintain responsiveness to stakeholders’ needs, ensuring TVET graduates excel in the competitive world of work. Our focus on industry linkages, apprenticeships, and on-the-job training equips students with skills relevant to Uganda’s economic growth.”

Dr. Kedrace Turyagyenda, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education and Sports represented by Ag.Commissioner TVET-O&M Mr.Mubiru David officiated the event. She stressed the importance of customer feedback in public service and praised UBTEB for prioritizing stakeholder engagement.

Dr. Turyagyenda encouraged stakeholders to maintain integrity, particularly in curricula and employment. He praised UBTEB’s efforts in reducing examination malpractices and promoting inclusivity for persons with special needs. “Integrity is non-negotiable in TVET,” Dr. Turyagyenda emphasized. “We must ensure our graduates possess skills that meet industry standards. UBTEB’s commitment to inclusivity is commendable, and we must continue to prioritize accessibility for all.”

Stakeholders actively participated in the workshop, providing valuable feedback and suggestions. UBTEB is committed to addressing challenges and exploring growth opportunities. The workshop fostered collaboration and innovation, paving the way for enhanced TVET assessment and examination.

Industry players shared insights on the skills gap between graduates and industry needs. Institutional heads discussed challenges in implementing curriculum reforms. Alumni provided perspectives on the relevance of TVET training in the job market.

As the workshop concluded, Dr. Turyagyenda argued stakeholders to prioritize quality TVET training for employability. The event marked a significant step forward in UBTEB’s continuous improvement journey, cementing its position as a leader in TVET assessment and examination.

With renewed commitment and collective effort, UBTEB and its stakeholders are poised to revolutionize Uganda’s technical workforce, driving economic growth and sustainable development. The workshop’s success underscored the power of collaboration in shaping the future of TVET in Uganda.

To address these challenges, the Ugandan government has developed a TVET Policy to support the creation of employable skills and competencies relevant to the national transformational labor market. The policy aims to enhance the quality and relevance of TVET programs, improve the efficiency of TVET service delivery, and promote partnerships between TVET institutions and industry.

The government has also established a Policy Implementation Working Group to expedite the process of enacting the TVET policy. This working group brings together stakeholders from various sectors to ensure effective coordination and implementation of TVET programs.