The Government of Uganda has launched a new Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Council and supporting Assessment Boards to overhaul the country’s vocational education system. This is aimed at equipping Ugandans with hands-on skills for today’s job market.
The First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Museveni, officiated the inauguration ceremony at State House, Nakasero, describing the event as a milestone in Uganda’s journey toward a skills-driven economy.
“This is more than just a policy move. TVET is vital for preparing our people for a rapidly changing job market,” she said.
The ceremony follows the recent enactment of the TVET Act 2025, a bold legislative move intended to align Uganda’s vocational training system with national development goals and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 4, which focuses on inclusive and equitable quality education.
At the heart of the reform is the new TVET Council, chaired by Allen Kagina, which is tasked with overseeing policy direction, licensing of private training institutions, financing, and maintaining high-quality standards across the sector. The council includes seasoned professionals such as Sikander Lalani, Douglas Opio, Eng. Ziria Tibalwa Waako, Dr. Tonny Tumwesigye, Jean Byamugisha, and Diriisa Ssekitoleko.
The TVET Assessment Boards, also inaugurated, will play a critical role in reviewing and standardizing training content to ensure it meets national and international benchmarks.
The event brought together officials from the public and private sectors, development partners, and education leaders who echoed a shared commitment to elevating vocational training in Uganda.
“This reform ensures we’re not just preparing students for jobs—but equipping them to create them,” one education official noted.
With Uganda’s youth population rapidly growing, the demand for practical skills has never been higher. The new TVET framework will help bridge the skills gap by introducing more accessible and market-relevant programs in fields like technology, manufacturing, construction, and agribusiness.
Under the new reforms, training institutions are expected to strengthen links with employers, introduce innovation hubs, and promote gender inclusion and access for rural and vulnerable communities.
While the TVET overhaul promises benefits, stakeholders acknowledged the importance of sustained investment in infrastructure, equipment, and teacher training to make the system work effectively.
The First Lady encouraged continuous monitoring and collaboration, urging all players to ensure the new framework delivers long-term results.
“Let us work together to make vocational education not just an alternative, but a first choice,” Janet Museveni said.
