TVET council boss urges Ankole schools to prioritise vocational skills

Primary and secondary school head teachers in schools under Ankole Diocese have been urged to encourage and motivate students to embrace technical and vocational education.

The call was made by Moses Kasakya, the executive director of the Technical Vocational Education and Training Council, who described TVET as a vital path that will help the country address the challenge of unemployment, especially among young people.

Kasakya made the remarks on March 31, 2026, while speaking as the chief guest at a thanksgiving service for the improved 2025 results for schools under Ankole Diocese.

Rt Rev. Fred Sheldon Mwesigwa, the Bishop of Ankole Diocese, was the main celebrant at the event, which attracted heads from all schools and vocational institutes under the diocese.

Reflecting on the scripture Exodus 31:1-11, Kasakya informed school heads that vocational skilling is biblical and God-ordained, noting that skill development is a matter of fulfilling God’s purpose for humanity, where whoever gets involved in work undertakes valuable work that blesses God.

"To be able to work with excellence and integrity, we need to acquire the right skills in a specific area. The skills may be acquired formally or informally. At TVET Council and indeed in the Uganda TVET system, we recognise both formal and informal learning," Kisakya added.

He also emphasised that skilling is both a noble and spiritual matter and thanked Ankole Diocese for providing the platform and infrastructure where Ugandan youth have the opportunity to learn and develop skills.

He added that skills improve productivity, which in turn leads to national prosperity.

"We must create people who are employable by giving them marketable skills," he said.

(L-R) Nathan Mugume chairman board Kigaragara Vocational SS, Julius Begumya head teacher Kigaragara Vocational SS, receiving a certificate of achievement from Bishop Fred Sheldon Mwesigwa and Moses Kasakya, the Executive Director of Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) during the Thanksgiving Service held at St. James Cathedral-Ruharo on Tuesday. (Credit: Abdulkarim Ssengendo)

He highlighted a number of TVET reforms in Uganda, including competence-based training, alignment with industry and labour market needs, establishment of qualification frameworks, inclusivity, recognition of prior learning, lifelong learning, and employability to enable Ugandans to secure decent jobs.

Rev. Canon Agasha Muhwezi, the education secretary of Ankole Diocese, reported improved performance in PLE, noting that results increased from 20% in Grade One in 2024 to 24% in 2025. At A-Level, he said 78% of students who sat exams qualified to join a university.

Bishop Mwesigwa noted that 13 schools from the diocese were recognised by the Province of the Church of Uganda for outstanding performance.

He thanked teachers in the diocese, noting that despite the challenges posed by teachers’ strikes, they remained committed to supporting students to succeed.

He reiterated his call to parents to support the development of schools and commended Christians in the diocese for prioritising the education of their children. "We thank God that the education sector in my diocese has continued to do well, "he said.

Nathan Mugume, head teacher of Mbarara Junior School, and Ham Ahimbisibwe, head teacher of Mbarara High School, hailed Bishop Mwesigwa and his leadership team for consistently advocating for quality performance.

Dr Alice Mwesigwa, who was the main preacher, attributed the improved performance in the diocese to the power of God, thanked all stakeholders, and urged schools to always seek God first.