56,000 candidates set for July–August TVET assessments

As many as 56,000 learners will put their skills to the test this month as Uganda rolls out its July–August 2025 TVET assessments.

The Uganda Vocational and Technical Assessment Board (UVTAB) said the nationwide exercise will run from August 11 to 22 in 373 centres.

UVTAB executive secretary Onesmus Oyesigye said the majority of candidates — 49,704 — are from vocational training institutes (VTIs) offering national certificate programmes, while 5,966 are from skills development centres that train learners after Senior Four or Primary Seven.

A further 321 candidates are registered from technical colleges.

“This year’s turnout is a clear indication of the growing demand for hands-on skills and competence-based training in Uganda,” Oyesigye said during a press conference at the assessment body's headquarters at Kyambogo Hill in Kampala on Saturday.

“It demonstrates the public’s recognition of TVET as a credible pathway to employability and entrepreneurship.”

The Board has also registered 123 candidates with special needs — including those with chronic illnesses, physical disabilities, visual impairments and hearing impairments — pursuing courses ranging from food production and processing to automotive mechanics, electrical installation and agriculture.

“We are committed to inclusive education,” Oyesigye said. “Over 108 support personnel, including sign language interpreters, transcribers and guides, will be deployed to assist these learners during the assessments.”

Informal sector assessments

Since April 2025, UVTAB has assessed 30,288 candidates who acquired their skills informally, such as through apprenticeships or work experience.

The Board is working to streamline the assessment process for this group and will release a formal schedule once quality assurance checks are complete.

Oyesigye warned candidates and centre heads against engaging in any form of examination malpractice, citing Sections 101–108 of the TVET Act No. 3 of 2025, which provide for severe penalties.

To maintain integrity, 485 scouts will be deployed to monitor compliance, alongside 2,259 practical assessors and verifiers who will conduct on-spot evaluations of candidates’ skills.

“Given the nature of competence-based assessment, our focus is on practical demonstrations rather than written theory alone,” said Oyesigye.

Logistics and security

The delivery of assessment materials to secure storage facilities across Uganda began on Saturday (August 9), with support from the Uganda Police Force. UVTAB, which is ISO-certified, has also carried out pre-inspections of all assessment centres to ensure compliance with standard operating procedures.

“We have briefed all Area Coordinators and Centre Supervisors to ensure a smooth exercise. We also call on Heads of Centres to display candidates’ registers and the list of offences and penalties on notice boards to increase awareness,” said Oyesigye.

UVTAB is mandated to regulate, assess and award qualifications for TVET programmes in line with the TVET Policy and the TVET Act of 2025. The Board plays a key role in promoting skills development as part of Uganda’s broader economic transformation agenda.

Government has in recent years prioritised TVET as a means to address youth unemployment, with an emphasis on equipping learners with practical skills relevant to the job market.

The competence-based approach now used in Uganda aligns with international trends, where skills are measured through real-life performance tasks rather than traditional written examinations.