The government has pledged to fast-track the enactment of the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) law.
The TVET Policy aims to establish an employer-led TVET system that develops a skilled, high-quality, and competent workforce.
The pledge was made by the State Minister of Primary Education, Joyce Moriku Kaducu, on behalf of the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Janet K Museveni, during the release of the Uganda Community Polytechnic Certificates (UCPC) 2023.
She assured participants that the government is fully committed to the future of TVET and will fast-track the necessary legislation.
She encouraged more trainees to make TVET their preferred career choice given its contribution towards building a critical mass of technicians and Artisans.
She further appealed to principals of TVET institutions to give the graduates priority in the 2024 admissions for National Certificate in Technical and Vocational programs for smooth upward career progression.
The First Lady emphasized the importance of collaboration between training institutions, industry, and assessment bodies for the successful training of competent artisans.
Dr. Eng. Silver Mugisha, the Board Chairperson, also called for the expedited enactment of the TVET law to regulate and monitor all TVET players and ensure accountability for the quality of TVET delivery and assessment.
Meanwhile, Dr. Onesmus Oyesigye, the Executive Secretary, UBTEB, said in this particular series, the board registered a total of 4,474 candidates, with 4,344 candidates (97%) appearing for the examinations and 130 candidates (3%) absent.
“Compared to the Nov/Dec 2022 examinations, there is a 20% increase in the number of candidates from 3,742 in 2022, this trend is expected to continue upwards and there is a need to prepare for these numbers,” he said.
Oyesigye attributed the increase in candidate numbers to ongoing advocacy for TVET skills, increased awareness among citizens about vocational skills acquisition, and a change in admissions criteria that prioritize students’ interest in pursuing their desired courses over grades obtained at lower levels of education.
The Shadow minister for Education, Joseph Ssewungu, also pledged the education committee’s support towards vocational training and UBTEB as an institution.