The Uganda Vocational and Technical Assessment Board (UVTAB) has raised concern over the high cost of vocational education and limited public appreciation of technical training, warning that the challenges continue to affect enrolment and skills development in Uganda.
Speaking during the briefing for the May–June 2026 assessment series, Dr. Wilfred Nahamya, the Deputy Executive Secretary at UVTAB, said vocational education remains expensive for many families despite growing demand for technical skills.
“Vocational education and training is very costly,” Nahamya said. “When learners complete courses such as plumbing or electrical installation, many are not supported with start-up kits to help them begin work.”
He called on both government and parents to increase support for students pursuing technical and vocational training, saying many graduates struggle to transition into employment after completing their studies.
Nahamya said Uganda is gradually witnessing changing attitudes towards vocational education, which has traditionally been viewed as a last option for academically weak students.
“People used to think vocational education was for failures, especially for mechanics and technicians, but the statistics are changing,” he said.
According to UVTAB, candidate numbers for the current assessment series have risen to about 47,000, up from around 10,000 in previous years, reflecting growing interest in technical and vocational education.
Nahamya also noted an increase in female participation in technical courses previously dominated by men, including plumbing and electrical installation, although challenges remain due to cultural perceptions.
“You are now finding girls joining plumbing and technical installation courses, though the numbers are still low in some areas,” he said.
The board also announced enhanced support measures for candidates with special needs during the ongoing assessment period.
Nahamya revealed that UVTAB has registered 165 candidates with special needs pursuing various qualifications, including learners with hearing impairments, physical disabilities, chronic illnesses and other conditions.
To support them, the board has deployed more than 100 support personnel, including sign language interpreters, guides and transcribers, while some candidates will be given extra time during assessments.
“We continue supporting them because many of these challenges are not by choice,” Nahamya said. “When they are supported, they are able to perform well in assessments.”
He explained that some learners require assistance with mobility, writing and interpretation during examinations.
The board has also deployed over 500 scouts and more than 200 physical assessors to supervise assessments and ensure compliance with examination regulations under the TVET Act 2025.
Assessment materials have already been dispatched across the country under tight security arrangements.
Nahamya urged heads of assessment centres to strictly adhere to examination guidelines and warned candidates against involvement in malpractice, saying penalties under the law are severe.
He further appealed to institutions to establish assessment task forces to work closely with UVTAB assessment managers to ensure smooth conduct of the examinations.