UBTEB records 37% increase in enrollment

EDUCATION | UBTEB

The Uganda Business and Technical Examination Board (UBTEB) has reported an increase in the numbers of candidates sitting for the national examinations this year.

In their 13 examination series slated to take place from November 13 to December 15, the examination body has registered 86,342 candidates up from 62,896 in 2016, representing a 37% increment.

Speaking to journalists yesterday at UBTEB headquarters in Kampala, Dr Wilfred Karukuza Nahamya, the deputy executive secretary at UBTEB, attributed the increase to a growing appreciation for vocational courses.

"Parents are starting to realise the need for vocational skills, and government has increased sensitisation of Ugandans on the need for these practical skills," he said.

The candidates will be examined in both theory and practical skills.

The national certificate in vocational and technical training has attracted the biggest numbers, registering 22,491, followed by diplomas and certificates in business at 12,134 and Uganda Community Polytechnic Certificate at 5,106.

Other highly registered for courses include diploma technical (4,960) and specialised certificate and diploma (1,968).

In regard to examination malpractice, UBTEB said it has deployed 500 reconnoiters and scouts, over 1,000 supervisors, area co-ordinators and the Police to ensure vigilance at 413 examination centers spread across the country.

Establishment of UBTEB
The Uganda Business and Technical Examination Board (UBTEB) was established in 2008 by the BTVET Act and operationalised in 2009 by the statutory instrument.

The regulations in the BTVET Act mandates UBTEB to streamline, regulate, co-ordinate and conduct credible examinations and award certificates and Diplomas in Business, Technical and Vocational or Training in Uganda.

It is the only recognised Technical, Business, Vocational and specialised awarding body in Uganda, examining over 96 accredited programmes.