NYAMITANGA | TECHNICAL | INSTITUTE

They were ululations, joy and happiness as government-aided Nyamitanga Technical Institute held its first graduation in 69 years since its inception in 1953. 

The institution started as a rural trade school, which was manned by missionaries, to train artisans who were at the time most needed to quell the challenges of unskilled labour force in the country.

On November 17, 2022, a total of 4,671 received their certificates at a graduation ceremony where the Minister of Education and Sports, who is also First Lady Mrs Janet Museveni was represented by ministry permanent secretary Ketty Lamaro.

Aloysius Beinenama, 80, a resident of Rubaya Kashari, who completed his certificate in carpentry and joinery in 1958, but had not graduated up to now, expressed his gratitude to the management of the institute for finally organising the first-ever graduation ceremony.

 “Despite the fact that I did carpentry and joinery, from the skills I got I taught myself how to do roofing and building houses which am currently doing. If it were not for the skills that I acquired, I would not have managed to provide necessities for my family, especially school fees for my children," he said.

Pison Muganzi, who also joined the institute in 1959 and completed his certificate 1960 in carpentry and joinery, said it was a great honour after receiving a call from the institute's administration about the graduation.

“After completing my course, I managed to get my certificate but there was nothing like graduation to inspire other would-be students to join the same course. Finally, we are happy though it has come when we are already old,” Muganzi said.

Ketty Lamora aided by His grace Lambert Beinomugisha and other guests to commission a six-storeyed building at Nyamitanga Technical Institue. (All Photos by Adolf Ayoreka)

Principal explains the delay

Institute principal Gilvazio Bafaki said the lack of funds for the ceremony was responsible for the delay in having graduation.

“The pressure has been too much from our students who completed a long time ago, asking why we are not having a graduation ceremony. We had to reach out to the Government for funds. Had it not been for the efforts of Government even this ceremony would not have taken place,” he said.

First Lady’s message

Mrs Museveni, whose speech was read by Lamaro, said teaching students technical skills eases their ability to acquire jobs, which in return leads them to a steady path that will eventually make them earn a university degree in their preferred fields of training.

She revealed that the government introduced Business Technical Vocational Education and Training (BTVET) to review curricula for tertiary institutions that are competence-based in response to a policy of skilling Uganda.

“This policy shifts the focus from traditional academic teaching to appropriate skills development that meets the current labour demands,” Mrs Museveni said.

She added that previously, the Government had a challenge of low enrolment in technical institutions saying that they were wrongly perceived by society as second-class education associated with failures.

“However, nothing would be closer to the truth. Today, many youth acquire technical and business skills leading them to a better standard of living than many graduates from universities struggling with employment waiting to receive prestigious white-collar jobs,” Mrs Museveni said.

Archbishop of Mbarara Lambert Beinomugisha asked the graduates to be people with high skills, good attitudes and trustworthiness while dealing with their clients if they are to develop their client base.

“I normally get issues with carpenters and tailors some tell lies. You can never order something and get it on time. They will keep telling you to come tomorrow. So, I want to implore you children of God: You have graduated in various skills, please be trustworthy,” Beinomugisha said.

He however asked the government to think of elevating Nyamitanga Technical Institute to the level of a college so that they can start awarding national diplomas.