National TVET exams record 95% pass rate as technical skills strengthen

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The Uganda Vocational and Technical Assessment Board (UVTAB) has registered an impressive 95% overall pass rate for candidates completing their programmes, according to results released for the November/December 2025 assessment series.

The results, presented to the Minister of Education and Sports on April 1, 2026, underscore growing confidence in the country’s competency-based Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) system.

(L-R) Kedrace Turyagyenda Permanent Secretary Ministry of Education, Joyce Moriku Kaducu State Minister for Primary Education, Chrysostom Muyingo Minister of State for higher education, Dorothy Okello Board Chairperson UVTAB and Onesmus Oyesigye the Executive Secretary of the Uganda Vocational and Technical Assessment Board (UVTAB) during the release of assessment results at Uganda Vocational and Technical Assessment Board (UVTAB) on April 1, 2026. (Photo by Nancy Nanyonga)

The assessments, conducted over four weeks in late 2025, covered 26,312 candidates across 543 accredited centres nationwide. Candidates demonstrated strong proficiency in key sectors including technology, business, agriculture, and home science.

Strong performance

National Craft Certificate programmes recorded the strongest performance, with 96% of 21,004 candidates attaining full competencies.

Notably, programmes such as Agricultural Engineering Mechanics and Woodwork Technology achieved a 100% distinction rate.

Business programmes posted a solid 92% pass rate, with the National Certificate in Social Work and Social Administration leading with an 82% distinction rate.

National Diploma programmes, despite a smaller candidate cohort, also registered a 92% pass rate, indicating consistent performance at higher training levels.

The results also highlight notable gains in inclusivity. Candidates with special needs achieved a 93% pass rate, with those affected by chronic illness, hearing impairments, and intellectual disabilities recording 100% success in their respective modules.

Kedrace Turyagyenda Permanent Secretary Ministry of Education addressing during the release of assessment results at Uganda Vocational and Technical Assessment Board (UVTAB) on April 1, 2026. (Photo by Nancy Nanyonga)

While male candidates still dominate craft-based programmes, there is a growing number of female students enrolling in traditionally male-dominated fields such as automotive mechanics and electrical installation.

Conversely, female candidates continue to dominate business-related courses, as well as fashion and design and cosmetology programmes.

Challenges persist

Despite the strong performance, UVTAB executive secretary Onesmus Oyesigye flagged several areas of concern.

He noted that candidates exhibited limited proficiency in Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Java programming, largely due to inadequate access to computers and specialised software at some training institutions.

Mathematics-related modules also remain a challenge for a number of learners.

The Board noted that the 8% of candidates who did not attain full competencies will be given another opportunity to improve their skills, in line with the system’s emphasis on mastery.

A speech read for her by State Minister for Higher Education Dr Chrysostom Muyingo, First Lady and Minister of Education Mrs Janet Museveni, welcomed the growing number of Ugandans enrolling in TVET institutions, noting a steady rise in female participation from 35.7% in 2024 to 41%.

Chrysostom Muyingo, Minister of State for Higher Education addressing during the release of assessment results at Uganda Vocational and Technical Assessment Board (UVTAB) on April 1, 2026. (Photo by Nancy Nanyonga)

She reiterated government's commitment to supporting inclusivity through targeted sponsorship programmes for female trainees and persons with special needs.

“I encourage all stakeholders to continue sensitising the public on the importance of TVET. This will help build a skilled, inclusive, and sustainable workforce to drive Uganda’s socio-economic transformation,” she said.

She commended UVTAB for effectively executing its mandate, noting that its efforts are contributing to the growth of the TVET sector.

She also noted that government plans to fund the expansion of training facilities, procurement of modern equipment, and development of innovative, industry-aligned curricula.

The investment, she noted, is aligned with the National Development Plan IV (NDP IV), Vision 2040, and the government’s Ten-Fold Growth Strategy, all of which emphasise the role of a skilled workforce in driving key sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture, and ICT.

On inclusive education, Mrs Museveni praised UVTAB for creating an assessment environment that accommodates persons with special needs, reiterating government’s goal of making TVET accessible and equitable.

She also called on industry players and other stakeholders to strengthen collaboration with the TVET system.

“Your partnership is vital in shaping a responsive, dynamic, and high-quality TVET system,” she said.

Cross section of the audience attending the release of assessment results at Uganda Vocational and Technical Assessment Board (UVTAB) on April 1, 2026. (Photo by Nancy Nanyonga)

Mrs Museveni noted that UVTAB is already engaging stakeholders from industry and professional fields to build a robust skills ecosystem that promotes lifelong learning, adaptability, and innovation.

She congratulated candidates who successfully completed their training and urged them to apply their skills in the workforce.

"I congratulate the Chairperson and Board members on a job well done. I also commend the Executive Secretary and staff of UVTAB for their commitment to quality TVET assessment,” she said.