The Uganda Vocational and Technical Assessment Board (UVTAB) has awarded occupational certificates to over 1,000 skilled youth in Bugweri, recognizing their successful completion of training across 170 trades in the Busoga region.
The certification ceremony, held across eight training centers, brought together government officials, training partners, and community leaders who commended the graduates for their commitment to skills development and self-reliance.
Speaking at the event, Senior Presidential Advisor and Chairman of PACEID, Odrek Rwabwogo, urged the graduands and their parents to utilize acquired skills to boost production.
He emphasized the importance of teamwork and encouraged beneficiaries to take advantage of the Parish Development Model (PDM) to improve household incomes and productivity.
The outgoing Minister for Presidency, Milly Babalanda, also called on residents of Bugweri to work in groups, save part of their earnings from PDM initiatives, and effectively apply the skills obtained to fight poverty at the household level.
Babalanda further commended UVTAB for supporting the national skills development agenda through flexible and modular assessment and certification of skills for Ugandans.
She pledged to follow up on the graduates to monitor how they are applying their training to improve livelihoods.
UVTAB Executive Secretary Onesmus Oyesigye congratulated the graduates, describing their achievement as a result of hard work, resilience, and dedication.
He noted that the trained youth had acquired practical skills in areas such as tailoring, cooking, hairdressing, plumbing, bricklaying, bookbinding, cattle keeping, poultry farming, domestic electrical work, baking, and other trades.
“These trades are the backbone of Uganda’s economy and play a crucial role in fostering production, employment, and sustainable development,” he added.
Oyesigye also acknowledged the partnership with PACEID under Odrek Rwabwogo, saying it has been instrumental in expanding access to vocational training.
“We appreciate the partnership and unwavering support of PACEID under the leadership of Odrek Rwabwogo, whose collaboration has enabled more Ugandans to access quality vocational training,” he said.
He emphasized that under the TVET Act 2025, certification of skills has become a key requirement for promoting standards and professionalism in the workforce.
“As outlined in the TVET Act 2025, it is now mandatory for every Ugandan engaged in productive work to be certified by the TVET Council after assessment and certification by UVTAB,” Oyesigye noted.
He added that recognizing indigenous knowledge and local craftsmanship is central to UVTAB’s approach to inclusive skills development.
Oyesigye urged them to apply their skills responsibly, uphold integrity, and contribute to national development.
