By Felix Oketcho
Uganda Vocational and Technical Assessment Board (UVTAB) abody that oversees technical examinations in Uganda is considering a major shift in the country’s competency-based training approach by proposing a revised curriculum structure that emphasizes 70% practical work and 30% theory.
If approved this will shift from current 60% practical and 40% theory to strengthen hands-on training and better align vocational skills with industry needs.
The proposal was mooted during an inspection visit at Ntinda Vocational Training Institute (VTI), where UVTAB officials assessed the ongoing November/December 2025 national TVET examinations.
“We are pleased to inform the public that the November/December 2025 assessment series has commenced with a total of 137,546 candidates registered across 743 centres,”UVTAB’s history. Executive Secretary Mr. Onesmus Oyesigye.
According to Onesmus 80,654 are male and 56,892 are female the highest enrollment ever. Additionally, 22,212 learners are sitting modular and full occupation assessments at Levels I and II, including the Worker’s Pass.
UVTAB has also registered 338 candidates with special needs, supported by more than 150 personnel such as interpreters, transcribers, and guides to ensure inclusive participation.
Commenting about the progress of assessment Kambaho Narasi Anyijuka, UVTAB’s Principal Communications Officer, praised centres for improved adherence to assessment regulations.
“The examination commenced well and on time in all parts of the country. We have not recorded any major incidents,” he said.
He noted that the Uganda Police helped deliver assessment materials to all centres on schedule, with the final batches arriving by Monday morning ahead of the official 8:30 a.m. start time.
Anyijuka attributed the smooth progress to strengthened collaboration with Heads of Centres and the establishment of assessment task forces across all institutions to check candidates thoroughly before entry and ensure seating plans and exam protocols are properly implemented.
Meanwhile Nahabwe Donnale, the Acting Deputy Principal, strongly supported the shift to practical skills saying practical skills are far more relevant in the labour market.
“Students in the world of work perform more practical tasks than theoretical ones. The curriculum must reflect that,” she said.
“The new curriculum under review aims to strengthen practical delivery and ensure that assessment reflects the demands of the world of work.”she added.
While the current curriculum carries about 60% practical training, she recommended an even more ambitious ratio: 80% practical and 20% theory.
To address the current challenges ,She urged government to continue supporting TVET institutions both public and private with training materials and resources.
“Every student needs materials for practicals, yet many institutions cannot afford them,.There must be a balance. Standards should be maintained, but practical examinations should be set realistically to accommodate institutions with fewer resources,” she added.
Uganda’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) program aims to equip individuals with job-ready skills for economic growth by focusing on quality, access, and relevance to the labor market. TVET Council regulates and coordinates the sector, ensures standards through a new qualifications framework, and creates Sector Skills Expert Committees to align training with market needs.