UBTEB exams start on Friday
Nov 23, 2016
The examinations will be conducted at 387 centres throughout the country
UBTEB executive secretary Oyesigye addressing the media at the board's offices in Ntinda. Photo by Hajarah Nalwadda
Uganda Business and Technical Examinations Board (UBTEB) examinations get underway this Friday with briefing of students while sitting of papers will begin on Monday.
The examinations for all candidates registered for national technical craft and Uganda Community Polytechnic certificate, national certificate and diploma programmes will commence on 25th November and end on the 16th December.
This year, the number of candidates has increased to 60,310 candidates from 55,533 in 2015, accounting of a 10% increase.
UBTEB executive secretary, Onesmus Oyesigye, said the increase in the number of candidates is a key milestone in these examinations series since its inception in 2011.
"Having a 10% increase in the number of students sitting for technical exams is a positive trend and key milestone in these examinations series. It is means more Ugandans are appreciating the importance of vocational education in the development of our country" he said.
"This means more people will gain hands-on skills, are able to employ themselves and others, thus reducing on high cases of youth unemployment" he added.
Oyesigye strongly warned students, school heads and invigilators against involving themselves in exam malpractice, explaining that they are working with Police, and measures have been put in place to deal with anyone found engaging in exam malpractice.
(L-R) Oyesigye chats with Dr. Wilfred Nahamya and communications officer Kambaho Narasi Anyijuka during the briefing. Photo by Hajarah Nalwadda
"Anyone caught will be arrested. For teachers, besides arresting them, we shall de-register them" he said.
Dr. Wilfred Nahamya, the deputy UBTEB executive secretary, said the increase in the number of Ugandans joining vocational institutions is a good avenue for access to self-employment rather than relying on government for jobs which are limited compared to demand.
He also said when more people are self-employed, there is increased industrialization which leads to improved economy, and called for more and continuous investment in the vocational education.
On how to bridge the gender parity, he said "Continued awareness and publicity on the importance of vocational courses is crucial. Some people still believe there are courses women cannot do, for instance, electrical engineering, mechanics, but women can also do such courses, and we need to continue encouraging them".
In regard to the security of examinations, the board will deploy over 400 scouts and over 1,000 supervisors to ensure vigilance during the examinations period.
In addition, a total of 1,295 practical examiners will be deployed to mark on spot practical examinations of technical, business and information & communications technology (ICT) courses.
The examinations will be conducted at 387 centres throughout the country.