By Pius Niwarinda
July 15th, 2025, marked 90 days since the Uganda Vocational and Technical Assessment Board (UVTAB) came into force—ushering in a new chapter for technical and vocational education in Uganda.
UVTAB was operationalized on March 15th by the TVET Act (Commencement) Instrument 2025 No.25, merging the Directorate of Industrial Training (DIT) and the Uganda Business and Technical Examinations Board (UBTEB). Its mandate: unify and professionalize assessment across informal and formal TVET programs at all qualification levels, addressing long-standing fragmentation in Uganda’s skills development sector.
A New Location, A New Approach
Prior to the merger, UBTEB was based on cramped premises in Ntinda while DIT operated on Jinja Road. The creation of UVTAB necessitated relocation to a more fitting home—Plot 891, Kigobe Road, Kyambogo Hill—now designated as the National Skills Assessment Centre.
“The relocation of UVTAB is part of the government’s efforts to reform the TVET sector in Uganda,” read a statement from the board. “Our new location will provide easier access to our services, and our automated client support services will ensure efficient and effective customer support.”
Indeed, UVTAB has rolled out tech-enabled systems to improve responsiveness and accessibility. Clients can reach support teams 24/7 via WhatsApp and email.
“We believe that technology should be used to enhance our services and provide better support to our clients,” the board emphasized.
First National Assessment
On May 2nd, UVTAB launched its inaugural national assessment—marking a major milestone for the new board. Over 53,700 candidates registered across 478 accredited centers nationwide. Of these, 13,000 learners from informal centers were assessed for Level One and Two qualifications, while others were awarded Workers’ PAS certificates based on prior experience.
“In this assessment, the board has registered 110 persons with disabilities,” noted Dr. Nahamya Karukuza Wilfred, Deputy Executive Secretary for TVET Assessment. “We had already built some capacity within UBTEB, and we are now working to expand on that.”
Dr. Nahamya highlighted the board’s commitment to inclusivity and noted UVTAB’s efforts to review and tailor curricula to ensure learners with disabilities are appropriately assessed.
Gender gaps are also narrowing in fields traditionally dominated by males. According to UVTAB, more girls are enrolling and performing strongly in these areas, indicating a positive shift toward equitable access.
Marking commenced on June 11 at designated centers using certified examiners. The process followed strict Board regulations under the TVET Act No.3 of 2025 to ensure fairness and consistency. Final results were released on July 17.
Change Management and Staff Integration
As part of its organizational transition, UVTAB hosted a staff training session on Change Management on June 10, facilitated by experts from Makerere University Business School (MUBS), including Prof. Bagiire Vincent and Prof. Matama.
The Executive Secretary, CPA Onesmus Oyesigye, officially opened the training, stating: “Our ability to adapt and embrace change will determine our success in serving the public and achieving our strategic objectives. Today’s training marks a significant step in strengthening our capacity to lead change effectively.”
HR Manager Cate Kiisa Ssemakula coordinated the session, fostering an atmosphere of unity and engagement. The training equipped staff with actionable insights to navigate change and reinforced UVTAB’s commitment to innovation and continuous improvement.
Participants left empowered to drive transformation at individual and organizational levels, marking a key milestone for institutional resilience.
Partnership with Presidential Industrial Hubs
On June 30, UVTAB met with the management of the Presidential Industrial Skilling Hubs, led by Eng. Raymond Kamugisha, Director of Presidential Projects. Their dialogue focused on aligning assessments with job market demands to improve the quality and employability of learners.
“UVTAB is a new board under the TVET Act 2025,” said Executive Secretary Oyesigye. “We have been assigned the mandate of assessing and certification of all TVET qualifications from Level 1 to Level 4.”
He emphasized the board’s readiness to review Annual Teaching Plans (ATPs) and ensure training frameworks align with the new legal standards.
Eng. Kamugisha welcomed the collaboration, saying, “We are here to make sure that the project is formalized whereby Ugandans can get a skill, assessed, and given a qualification.”
He also shed light on the origins of the initiative: “The Presidential Industrial Hub was started by H.E. the President to tap into the masses, especially young people who lack jobs and skills. This project also benefits those who never went to school—free of charge.”
So far, 16,169 youth have been skilled under the Presidential Hub initiative, with over 60,000 more benefiting from Kampala-based centers. Uganda boasts 19 Presidential Industrial Hubs nationwide and 9 skilling centers within Kampala. Learners who complete the program receive startup capital via district SACCOs.
Understanding the Presidential Skilling Programme
In a strategic move aimed at elevating Uganda’s technical and vocational education and training (TVET) landscape, the Uganda Vocational and Technical Assessment Board (UVTAB) has formally partnered with the Presidential Skilling Initiative. The development follows a high-level meeting led by Dr. Faith Mirembe Katana, Special Presidential Assistant for Education and Skilling, bringing together key stakeholders to harmonize ongoing and future efforts in skilling under the broader framework of the TVET reforms.
A major outcome of the meeting was the creation of a technical task force comprised of experts from nine skilling centers operating within Kampala. Their role is to advise on inclusive evaluation methods, particularly for learners with literacy challenges. UVTAB committed to developing assessment packages that include oral evaluation options, ensuring no candidate is excluded from certification due to literacy barriers. “We are here to make sure that the project is formalised whereby Ugandans can get a skill, assessed and given a qualification,” said Eng. Raymond Kamugisha, Director of Presidential Projects and Industrial Hubs.
Stakeholders also agreed to incorporate soft skills and mindset change modules into the training curriculum. This holistic approach is expected to yield not just skilled technicians but responsible citizens grounded in positive values and community responsibility.
Currently, the Presidential Initiative operates nine centers offering six-month training programs in over 15 vocational trades. Moving forward, assessments will follow a structured national schedule, and instructors from the Initiative will actively collaborate with UVTAB to design and revise training content. “Out of our discussions, we are going to make Annual Teaching Plans that are tailored to meet the needs of the people,” Eng. Kamugisha added.
Inaugurating the TVET Council and Assessment Boards
A further milestone in TVET reform took place on July 3, 2025, when the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni, inaugurated the newly constituted TVET Council and TVET Assessment Boards during a landmark ceremony at State House, Nakasero. The event marked a significant shift under the newly enacted TVET Act 2025, which aims to strengthen policy, regulation, and service delivery across Uganda’s vocational education ecosystem.
“The TVET Act is a key instrument for providing strategic direction and guidance in modernising technical and vocational education,” Hon. Museveni said. She emphasized TVET’s critical role in equipping Ugandans with employable skills to meet the demands of the evolving job market, adding that it “enhances productivity and ultimately contributes to increased economic growth.”
The TVET Council, chaired by Mrs. Allen Kagina, is tasked with oversight of policy, financing, and licensing of private institutions, while the newly appointed UVTAB Board is charged with managing national assessments and certification. Prof. Dorothy Okello, Dean at Makerere University’s College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology, serves as the inaugural Chairperson of UVTAB.
The ceremony was attended by senior government officials and private sector leaders, signaling a multi-stakeholder commitment to transforming Uganda’s workforce development framework. The UVTAB Board held its first meeting on July 9, followed by a staff prayer breakfast at its Secretariat on July 14.
Speaking during the breakfast, Assoc. Prof. Okello reaffirmed the Board’s dedication to supporting UVTAB leadership and fostering institutional excellence. “Our collective efforts are vital in steering UVTAB towards institutional success,” she said. “We pledge to work hand in hand with management to ensure that our strategic objectives are achieved.”
Touring the National Skills Assessment Centre
To wrap up a decisive 90-day window since its formation, UVTAB’s new Board members toured the National Skills Assessment Centre in Kyambogo on July 9. This engagement provided a hands-on understanding of the facilities and operations central to Uganda’s skills certification and validation efforts.
Guided by Executive Secretary CPA Onesmus Oyesigye, the Board reviewed core infrastructure including examination halls, ICT systems, and client service desks. Mr. Oyesigye welcomed the momentum generated by the Board’s appointment, stating: “We are delighted to have a premier team of Board members in place, and we thank the First Lady and the Minister of Education and Sports for appointing and inaugurating the Board.”
He reaffirmed UVTAB’s readiness to fulfill its mandate. “The Board has officially commenced business and is committed to propelling the institution towards greater milestones as the center of Assessment for Employable Skills.”
Adding to the vision, Eng. Kamugisha elaborated on the broader aim of the Presidential Hubs: “The Industrial Hub was started by H.E. the President to tap into the masses of Uganda, especially the young people who lack jobs and skills to get employed. This project also benefits those who never went to school at all—free of charge.”
According to him, “We have so far skilled 16,169 youth under the Presidential Hub project and over 60,000 from Kampala Skilling. We have 19 Industrial Hubs across the country and 9 centers in Kampala. Interestingly, once you finish, we now give you startup capital through the district SACCOs.”
Looking Forward
The first 90 days of UVTAB reflect a fast-paced rollout of strategic reforms aimed at transforming Uganda’s TVET landscape. With a new home, modernized customer support, inclusive assessments, staff realignment, and expanding partnerships, the board has laid strong foundations for skills development across the country.
As Executive Secretary Oyesigye reminded staff, “Our success lies in embracing change and serving with purpose. UVTAB is here to build a robust, inclusive, and market-relevant TVET sector for Uganda.”
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