Govt embarks on building regional technical institutions

By Doreen Musingo in Buikwe

THE government of Uganda has embarked on the construction of regional technical institutions in partnership with the government of China in a bid to emphasize vocational education in the country.

Professor Elly Katunguka Rwakishaya the acting vice chancellor of Kyambogo University said this was agreed upon a just concluded meeting with the Government of China.

Prof Katunguka said this was after the government recognized the need for vocational education which helps reduce on the demand for jobs and create individuals with skills for self-employment.

Prof Katunguka who represented Prof Sandy Stevens Tickodri Togboa the state minister of higher education, science, technology and sports during the 22rd graduation ceremony at Nile Vocational institution in Buikwe district said that due to vocational training becoming a priority to government they have also urged traditional universities to take up the curriculum.

A total of 460 people who graduated received certificates and diplomas in various disciplines that included block laying and concrete practice, electrical installation, motor vehicle mechanics, plumbing and pipe fitting, catering and hotel management. Other Courses were textile technology, early childhood development, cosmetology and secretarial studies.

“Government has now made vocational training a priority in the education sector whereby they are going to construct regional institutions. I don’t expect anyone to undermine this kind of training because even those who studied different courses have gone without employment but in this sector nobody can remain unemployed,” he noted.

Prof Katunguka urged the graduands to always take up short courses to upgrade on their skills as they get into the job world. He advised that if education was the key to development then vocational training is the master key to development of the upcoming generation and the economy.

He also cautioned parents to stop dwelling on weaknesses of their children and instead educate them for a brighter future.  He also cautioned the graduands to be disciplined as they move out to work.

Rev Paul Hannington Suubi the director of the school said graduands who studied for a period of two years, out of the total number of 469 students, 270 (58%) were males while 192 were females. He said of the graduands 270 were already working while 19 were upgrading.

Rev Suubi advised the graduands to add value to their skills, respect self and others and shun all forms of temptation that will degrade them and not forgetting to make a saving from the income they will be earning.

He noted that next year they will introduce short courses in mechanical, civil, wiring and water engineering. Others are welding, fabrication and agricultural courses.

Dorothy Mpima the Buikwe district women member of parliament as a member of the parliamentary committee on agriculture and animal industry said by November this year, government will set up a project at the school that will convert waste into energy to reduce on its power costs.

Canon Perez Wamburu the chairperson of the governing council for the school called upon government to also add vocational students on the loan scheme as it has done for institutions of higher learning.

“Our humble prayer to government is to extend the loan scheme to vocational students because many out their want to learn but don’t have the needed support,” he said.

During the graduation ceremony best performing students in each discipline where awarded with gifts.