Education
First Lady Inaugurates TVET Council and Assessment Boards, Ushering in New Era for Skills Development in Uganda
In a significant stride toward transforming Uganda’s education and skills landscape, the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni, officially inaugurated the newly constituted Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Council and Assessment Boards at a ceremony held at State House, Nakasero. The event marked the beginning of a new chapter in the implementation of the TVET Act 2025, a landmark legal framework designed to overhaul technical and vocational education in Uganda.
Speaking at the inauguration, the First Lady lauded the TVET Act 2025 as a “key instrument for providing strategic direction and guidance” in the modernisation of vocational education. She stressed that the reforms were essential for aligning Uganda’s education system with the dynamic demands of the global labour market and the broader goals of Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4), ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all.
“Technical and vocational education is no longer a fallback option. It is the path through which nations develop practical skills, drive productivity, and fuel economic growth,” she stated, emphasising the urgency of building a workforce equipped for the rapidly evolving world of work.
The newly sworn-in TVET Council is set to play a central role in shaping the future of the sector. Tasked with overseeing policy direction, financing mechanisms, and the licensing of private TVET institutions, the Council is expected to ensure the integrity, relevance, and quality of vocational education across the country. It will also be responsible for monitoring and enforcing standards to guarantee that training outcomes meet both national and international expectations.
The Council is chaired by Mrs. Allen Kagina, a distinguished public servant, and comprises accomplished members, including industrialist Mr. Sikander Lalani, Mr. Douglas Opio, Eng. Ziria Tibalwa Waako, Dr. Tonny Tumwesigye, Ms. Jean Byamugisha, and Mr. Diriisa Ssekitoleko. Together, this diverse and experienced team brings a wealth of expertise from the public and private sectors, positioning the Council to respond to the multifaceted needs of the TVET sub-sector.
The ceremony attracted Permanent Secretaries, senior leaders in the education sector, and prominent private sector stakeholders, signalling a strong spirit of collaboration and shared responsibility. This inclusive, multi-stakeholder approach is a central tenet of the Ministry’s strategy to reform and revitalise vocational education in Uganda.
The launch of the Council and Assessment Boards comes at a critical time when youth unemployment remains a pressing challenge, and there is a growing recognition of the role that skills-based education must play in unlocking opportunities and enhancing national competitiveness.
As Uganda moves to implement the TVET Act 2025, the Ministry of Education and Sports, under the stewardship of Hon. Janet Museveni, is reaffirming its commitment to building a robust, inclusive, and future-ready skills ecosystem. The inauguration of the TVET Council is not just an administrative milestone—it is a bold statement that Uganda is serious about empowering its people, transforming its economy, and securing a prosperous future through skills development.
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