Govt to assess over 4,000 trainees in presidential industrial hubs

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The Government is set to assess 4,463 trainees after they completed vocational training under the presidential industrial hubs' skilling programme. 

The nationwide assessment, running from February 24 to 27, 2026, across 91 hubs, aims to certify marketable skills and boost youth employability and entrepreneurship.

According to the Uganda Vocational Training and Assessment Board (UVTAB), candidates received briefing on February 20, while assessors underwent orientation on February 24 at their respective hubs.

In a statement on Wednesday, the entity noted that trainees will be assessed in seven core occupations: Bakery, tailoring, hairdressing, leather design, welding, building and construction, and carpentry and joinery.

"The certification process combines theoretical and practical components, based on approved training and assessment packages, " it said in a statement, adding that UVTAB has deployed 250 assessors to 19 selected hubs to guarantee fairness, consistency, and quality. 

The programme equips participants with hands-on skills to launch income-generating businesses or secure formal employment.

In line with Uganda’s inclusive education policies, the assessment accommodates 30 candidates with special needs through reasonable adjustments.

What are presidential industrial hubs?

Launched under President Yoweri Museveni’s directive, the Presidential Industrial Hubs target youth unemployment by offering free vocational training in high-demand trades essential for industrialisation, small-business growth, and job creation.

The programme aligns with Uganda’s National Development Plan IV, which emphasises human capital development, industrial expansion, and productivity gains.

With a burgeoning youth population entering the labour market annually—many without formal opportunities—government views technical and vocational education as essential for closing skills gaps and fostering economic inclusion.

Under the new TVET that came into effect in March last year, UVTAB is mandated to manage the national TVET curriculum, assessments, and examinations across a broader spectrum of technical and vocational disciplines, ensuring consistency and quality in skills development.

Previously, UBTEB dealt with formal TVET assessments (those which can yield academic progression) while DIT handled informal assessments (those where graduates target to have skills only, such as if one wants to become a baker).

The merger, which came in place in March last year, is aimed at streamlining operations in Uganda’s skills development sector.