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Long holiday should be a time to learn skills, UPC says
UPC spokesperson Sharon Arach made the call during the party’s weekly press conference at its headquarters in Kampala on October 28, 2026.
The UPC spokesperson, Sharon Arach, addressing a press conference at the party headquarters in Kampala on October 28, 2026. (Photo by Wilfred Sanya)
By: Richard Sanya, Journalist @New Vision
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The Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) has urged parents to help young people acquire additional skills during the upcoming long holidays as they await their examination results.
UPC spokesperson Sharon Arach made the call during the party’s weekly press conference at its headquarters in Kampala on October 28, 2026.
Arach urged Senior Four, Senior Six and Primary Leaving Examination (PLE) candidates to use their upcoming long holidays to acquire additional skills rather than engage in activities that could derail their future.
“We should make this critical national transition from basic education to skills and productivity, and it requires a deliberate policy framework to ensure they are productive “She said.
A total of 503,214 candidates registered for the 2026 Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) examinations, comprising 238,426 males and 264,788 females. Meanwhile, 844,341 candidates registered for the 2026 Primary Leaving Examination (PLE), according to the figures provided in the statement.
“UPC calls on the government to expand access to structured vocational skilling, community apprenticeship, and labour market orientation in agriculture, industry, and services, so that young people can appreciate the dignity of labour,” she said.
The government, through the Presidential Initiative on Skilling the Girl and Boy Child, offers free six-month practical courses in skills such as baking, weaving and knitting at centres across the country. The initiative targets young people aged 16 to 24 for self-employment and formal certification.
A total of 503,214 candidates registered for the 2026 Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) examinations, comprising 238,426 males and 264,788 females. Meanwhile, 844,341 candidates registered for the 2026 Primary Leaving Examination (PLE), according to the figures provided in the statement.
“UPC calls on the government to expand access to structured vocational skilling, community apprenticeship, and labour market orientation in agriculture, industry, and services, so that young people can appreciate the dignity of labour,” she said.
The government, through the Presidential Initiative on Skilling the Girl and Boy Child, offers free six-month practical courses in skills such as baking, weaving and knitting at centres across the country. The initiative targets young people aged 16 to 24 for self-employment and formal certification.
Arach also urged students to avoid negative peer pressure and risky behaviour that could derail their future. She encouraged them to embrace discipline, personal drive and positive integration into society.
“I appeal to parents, elders, community leaders and employers to focus on mentoring these young people who are now joining you in society, as opposed to endangering them,” she said.
She added that young people should be guided to act honestly and nurtured in a supportive environment that allows them to realise their potential, rather than being exploited because of their vulnerability.
The party also called on the government to strengthen youth safeguarding policies, career guidance and community mentorship.
UPC congratulated Senior Four candidates who had completed their Uganda Certificate of Education examinations, those still completing them, and wished success to PLE candidates beginning their examinations on Tuesday, November 3, 2026.
“I appeal to parents, elders, community leaders and employers to focus on mentoring these young people who are now joining you in society, as opposed to endangering them,” she said.
She added that young people should be guided to act honestly and nurtured in a supportive environment that allows them to realise their potential, rather than being exploited because of their vulnerability.
The party also called on the government to strengthen youth safeguarding policies, career guidance and community mentorship.
UPC congratulated Senior Four candidates who had completed their Uganda Certificate of Education examinations, those still completing them, and wished success to PLE candidates beginning their examinations on Tuesday, November 3, 2026.