Makerere Awards 200 UVTAB Graduates, Urges Skills Mastery and Entrepreneurship

KAMPALA — A total of 200 students examined by the Uganda Vocational and Technical Assessment Board (UVTAB) have been awarded National Diplomas and Certificates at a colourful ceremony held at the Conference Hall of the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT).

The 7th graduation ceremony, held on Saturday, February 28, 2026, was organised by the Centre for Lifelong Learning (CLL) under the College of Education and External Studies (CEES) at Makerere University.

The partnership between UVTAB and Makerere University was hailed as a key driver in promoting lifelong learning and strengthening technical and vocational education in Uganda.

“Skills Are the New Currency”

In a speech delivered on behalf of CEES Principal Anthony Mugagga, Prof. Paul Birevu Muyinda, Director of the Institute of Open, Distance and e-Learning, congratulated the graduates and urged them to prioritise competence over credentials.

“These qualifications do not only certify your knowledge — they affirm your competence,” he said. “They demonstrate not merely what you know, but what you can do.”

He reminded the graduates that technical education is rooted in practical ability. “You are entering society at a time when skills are the new currency,” he noted. “Uganda needs practical problem solvers — technicians, innovators, builders, designers and entrepreneurs.”

Prof. Muyinda emphasised that graduation marks “the beginning of responsibility,” urging students to master their craft, build professional identity, use networks, and embrace entrepreneurship.

“Be the graduate who confidently says, ‘Give me the task, and I will deliver,’” he advised. “Go out and seek jobs with confidence — you have the skills. Create jobs with courage — you have the innovation.”

Call for Integrity and Lifelong Learning

Dr Oscar Mugula, National Coordinator of the Centre for Lifelong Learning, thanked parents and guardians for their sacrifices and described the graduates as “designers of change and leaders of tomorrow.”

“You are not just recipients of diplomas and certificates,” Dr Mugula said. “The skills and knowledge you have acquired will help you shape communities and solve real-world problems.”

He encouraged graduates to pursue further studies, noting that their qualifications are nationally and internationally recognised under the Government of Uganda.

“Do not stop at this stage. A new journey begins today. Plan to pursue your dream degree and take yourself to the next level,” he urged.

Graduates were also advised to live responsibly, avoid reckless living, remain disciplined, and uphold values of respect, empathy and integrity.

First-Class Graduates Recognised

The ceremony also recognised outstanding academic performers who attained First-Class Diplomas (GPA 4.4–5.0).

Among them were: Diploma in Public Administration: Giibwa Dennise Kivumbi (4.63), Hussein Omar (4.41), Ssentale Peter (4.5), National Diploma in Business Management: Oyella Vivian Mildred (4.48), National Diploma in Accountancy: Nakiboneka Ritah (4.43), Nabaasa Annah (4.65), Olupot Jorem Dominic (4.42), Mulindwa Ashraf (4.53) and National Diploma in Civil Engineering: Masaakate Joshua Robinson (4.53), Tamale Arafah (4.51), Kulumba Anwar (4.59).

A Growing Lifelong Learning Mandate

Established in 1953 as the Department of Extra-Mural Studies, the Centre for Lifelong Learning has evolved through multiple institutional transitions to become the university’s primary unit mandated to design and deliver short community training programmes and non-academic interventions.

Its motto — “Taking the University to the Communities and bringing the Communities to the University” — reflects its outreach mission.

Speakers commended the government for strengthening the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) framework and reaffirmed Makerere’s commitment to expanding access to quality skills-based education.