On Wednesday, 14th August 2024, the Uganda Business and Technical Examinations Board (UBTEB) officially released the results of the May/June 2024 End of Programme examinations. The ceremony, held at the Uganda Institute of Information and Communications Technology (UICT) in Nakawa, was presided over by the Honourable Minister of Education and Sports. This event marked a significant moment for Uganda's education sector, particularly in the Technical, Vocational Education and Training (TVET) landscape.

Representing the Honourable Minister of Education and Sports, First Lady Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni, was the Honourable Minister of State for Primary Education, Hon. Joyce Moriku Kaducu. She was pleased by the increasing number of female students enrolling in various TVET programmes, crediting this progress to the affirmative actions taken by the NRM Government. "It is with great pleasure that I congratulate everyone for their combined efforts in increasing the number of female candidates pursuing TVET programmes. This is a testament to the Government’s call for gender equity in TVET access," she stated.

However, Hon. Kaducu also voiced concerns regarding the quality and suitability of facilities in some training institutions. She issued a directive to the Permanent Secretary and the technical team responsible for inspecting TVET institutions to enforce strict compliance with registration and licensing requirements. "Within six months, all training institutions must comply with the established government standards for licensing, or risk having their assessment center numbers withdrawn by UBTEB," she cautioned.

In his address, Onesmus Oyesigye (CPA), the Executive Secretary of UBTEB, provided a detailed overview of the examinations, which were conducted from 14th May to 25th June 2024 across 298 centers nationwide. These examinations covered a wide range of disciplines, including Engineering, Business, and Humanities, as well as Physical and Biological Sciences, at both the Diploma and Certificate levels.

Mr. Oyesigye highlighted that a total of 1,694 candidates sat for the examinations. Notably, female candidates slightly outnumbered their male counterparts with 880 females (52%) and 814 males (48%). UBTEB's dedication to inclusivity was evident, as 84 candidates with special needs received tailored support during the examinations. These included individuals with hearing impairments (16), visual impairments (26), dyslexia (13), physical disabilities (21), and chronic illnesses (8).

"Despite the challenges posed by staggered admissions during the COVID-19 pandemic, we have witnessed a commendable turnout. The relatively low number of candidates for this series is a direct result of these staggered admissions. Nevertheless, the commitment of our candidates and the unwavering support from their institutions have resulted in successful outcomes," Mr. Oyesigye remarked.

Out of the 1,694 candidates, 1,468 (87%) completed their courses and acquired full competencies, making them eligible for further training and employment opportunities. The remaining 226 candidates (13%) who did not complete their courses will have the opportunity to re-sit their exams in the next series offered by UBTEB.

In his closing remarks, Mr. Oyesigye highlighted the challenges encountered during the examination process, particularly the high costs associated with on-the-spot practical assessments, which are vital for Competency-Based Education and Training. He called for increased financial support to enhance hands-on training, which is essential for developing skills that meet job market demands. Additionally, he pointed out the challenges in assessing Special Needs candidates under the conventional curriculum, especially in journalism, media, and engineering-related programmes.

The event not only celebrated the achievements of the candidates and UBTEB but also served as a call to action for continued improvements in TVET education. As Uganda strives to build a skilled and inclusive workforce, the collaboration between the Government, educational institutions, and industry stakeholders remains crucial.

Find more details in the attached documents.