The Government of Uganda has officially inaugurated the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Council, marking a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to overhaul its education and skills development system.
Veteran public servant Allen Kagina has been appointed to head the newly established council.
The induction, held on June 10, 2025, is part of a broader national strategy to transform the education landscape by strengthening technical and vocational training across Uganda. The TVET Council is tasked with overseeing, accrediting, and coordinating all TVET-related institutions and activities countrywide.
A Central Body to Align Skills With Industry
The council will serve as the central authority for accreditation and regulatory oversight of the technical and vocational training sector. It aims to bridge the gap between skills development and industry demands, drawing on successful models from countries such as Germany and Sweden, where vocational training plays a vital role in economic development.
“The Government of Uganda recognises TVET as an essential contributor to the prosperity of individuals and the sustained economic growth and development of the country,” read a statement from the Government’s official communication platform.
Addressing Long-Standing Sector Challenges
The creation of the TVET Council seeks to tackle persistent challenges in the sector, including low public esteem, limited alignment with job market needs, and unequal status with academic education. The Council is expected to lead the way in changing public perception and increasing the value of vocational careers.
A Collaborative Structure
In her new role, Allen Kagina will oversee the council’s collaboration with Sector Skills Councils (SSCs), which are industry-led bodies responsible for helping develop relevant curricula and professional qualifications.
The TVET Council is also a key player in implementing the new TVET policy under the Ministry of Education and Sports, which seeks to make vocational training more responsive, inclusive, and employment-focused.
Reorganised for Effective Delivery
The induction follows the formation of the TVET Directorate in April 2021 during a mini-restructuring of the Ministry.
The Directorate oversees four specialised divisions designed to guide and manage the country’s 142 government and registered private training institutions.
These include: Business Social Development Education and Training (BSDET) – which oversees non-engineering and social-development-focused institutions; Operating Procedures and Standards (OPS) – which develops and monitors TVET policies, procedures, and standards; Vocational Education and Training (VET) – which manages vocational training institutions and Skills Development Centres; and Technical Polytechnics Education and Training (TPET) – which focuses on engineering and science-technology-based technical colleges.
Looking Ahead
With the TVET Council now operational, government officials and education stakeholders are hopeful that Uganda will witness a transformation in how skills are developed, recognised, and applied across various sectors of the economy.
The appointment of Allen Kagina, known for her leadership roles in the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) and Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA), is seen as a strong signal of the government’s commitment to revitalising the sector.