The Uganda Business and Technical Examinations Board (UBTEB) has finally earned the International Organization for Standardization ISO certification recognition.
Dr Silver Mugisha, the UBTEB Chairperson announced the achievement during the release of the July-August 2024 examination results at Nakasero State House in Kampala.
Certification is a formal process through which an organization, product, or service is evaluated against a set of predefined standards or criteria and found to comply with them. It typically involves assessment by an independent, accredited body, ensuring that the certified entity meets the required level of quality, safety, or competence.
In the case of ISO certification, it means that an organization adheres to internationally recognized standards, such as quality management (ISO 9001), environmental management (ISO 14001), or other specific areas. Achieving certification boosts credibility, ensures consistency in processes, and enhances customer trust and global recognition.
Dr Mugisha said that over the years the board has consistently undergone internal and external audits under quality management systems to ensure its competence-based assessments meet international standards, aligning with the expectations of the world of work and employers worldwide.
Onesmus Oyesigye, Executive Secretary of UBTEB said that ISO certification was carried out by the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS), and it represents global recognition of the quality of our assessment systems and processes.
“The certification will drive continuous improvement in all our operations and processes, enabling us to better serve the public. Moreover, it adds value to TVET graduates, positioning them as future global entrepreneurs and employees in multinational companies and corporations,” Oyesigye stated.
Dr Jane Egau, the acting Permanent Secretary, said that The TVET education system is meant to produce graduates who are equipped with practical skills that meet the demands of the job market anywhere in the world.
It’s from this position that she praised the board and staff for their commitment in consistently conducting the examinations with integrity and professionalism. Dr Egau added that the Board’s achievement of ISO certification is a clear indication that their processes are well-managed and authentic.
UBTEB, which is currently responsible for assessing business and technical programs, has become the second body in this field to achieve ISO certification, following the Directorate of Industrial Training, which was certified in 2021.
In previous years, Ugandans trained locally often missed out on opportunities to work with international companies, both within Uganda and abroad, due to the lack of this certification. On the local scene, this gap has sometimes allowed artisans and technicians from other countries to secure jobs that Ugandan professionals could have filled.
In addition to employment opportunities, TVET graduates from Uganda have also faced challenges in obtaining credential evaluations from internationally recognized service providers such as the World Education Services (WES).
Meanwhile, in the examination results, 1,562 out of the 1,926 candidates completed their programs, marking an 82% success rate. The said candidates expressed full competence in their respective trades. Of the successful candidates, 285 (15%) attained Class I (Distinction), 1,107 (57%) earned Class II (Credit), and 170 (9%) received Class III (Pass) grades.
Female candidates outperformed their male counterparts, with an overall completion rate of 84%, compared to 80% for males.
