The Uganda Vocational and Technical Assessment Board (UVTAB) has started a nationwide campaign to strengthen Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programs and align them with Uganda’s job market needs. The reforms aim to reduce youth unemployment by producing graduates with practical, employable skills.
The first feedback workshop took place on October 20, 2025, at Uganda Technical College (UTC) Lira. It brought together principals, registrars, and heads of technical institutions from across Northern Uganda under the theme *“Embracing TVET Reforms to Address Youth Unemployment in Uganda.”*
According to Oyoo Peter Alip, who represented the UVTAB Executive Secretary, this was the first official feedback workshop since the passing of the TVET Act 2025. He explained that the reforms are designed to make the assessment process fair, credible, and industry-driven. The new law also introduces penalties for assessment malpractice and empowers the board to take legal action against offenders.
Oyoo noted that the board has received concerns about inconsistent assessments, lack of practical materials, and weak data systems. In response, UVTAB has introduced stronger assessor training, improved data verification, and better collaboration with training institutions to promote fairness and accountability.
Representing the board chairperson, Eng. Albert Akovuku emphasized that integrity and industry partnerships are key to rebuilding public trust in TVET qualifications. He said the new reforms aim to move education away from rote learning toward innovation, competence, and real-world skills.
Akovuku added that the reforms will ensure that graduates are work-ready, adaptable, and able to contribute effectively to Uganda’s growing economy without needing retraining.
Lira City Education Officer Canon Jane Obeny, speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Education, urged TVET trainers to focus on character building alongside skill development. She observed that while many young people acquire technical skills, some still lack discipline and professionalism. She called on institutions to enforce strong codes of conduct and produce graduates known for integrity and excellence.
Lira Resident City Commissioner, Lawrence Egole, who officiated at the event, commended UVTAB for its commitment to improving the quality of vocational training. He said the government fully supports reforms that empower youth to become job creators rather than job seekers.
Egole stressed that youth unemployment can only be solved by producing graduates with practical skills, innovation, and a strong work ethic. He also encouraged all stakeholders to promote transparency, accountability, and patriotism in managing education institutions.
During his presentation on “TVET Reforms in Uganda: Implications for Assessment,” Johnson Turyamwesimira revealed that Uganda has shifted from a government-led education system to an employer-driven model. He said this approach emphasizes competence and workplace relevance.
He further explained that under the new TVET Act, the Uganda Business and Technical Examinations Board (UBTEB) and the Directorate of Industrial Training (DIT) have been merged into UVTAB. This merger aims to harmonize standards, improve quality, and remove duplication of roles.
The country is also moving toward digital and continuous assessments that reflect real industrial environments rather than traditional paper-based exams.
The workshop ended with a call to strengthen assessment centers, accredit more training institutions, and improve assessor professionalism.
UVTAB reaffirmed its commitment to building a credible, transparent, and efficient skills assessment system that supports innovation and productivity. The board believes that fully implementing TVET reforms is key to achieving Uganda’s Vision 2040 and creating a skilled, employable workforce for national development.