Lawmakers make a case for technical and vocational education

What the report says

Members of Parliament have renewed calls for Uganda to place greater emphasis on technical and vocational education, arguing that the country’s schooling system is still too disconnected from labour-market needs. According to Watchdog Uganda, the discussion took place at the 55th Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Africa conference in Lilongwe, Malawi, on 13 August 2026, where Uganda’s delegation was led by Speaker Jacob Marksons Oboth.

The report says Hon. Emely Kugonza of Buyanja East County presented a paper on closing Africa’s skills gap and said Uganda’s education model still reflects an older colonial structure that produces many certificate holders but too few graduates with practical abilities employers need. He pointed to shortages in areas such as engineering and vocational skills, and warned that the mismatch could deepen unemployment and weaken the country’s long-term prospects.

Other lawmakers backed the push for reform. Hon. Fortunate Nantongo called for skilling to begin in primary school and for more funding for technical institutes. Hon. Bernard Otim suggested turning institutions into practical training centres, while Hon. Naome Kabasharira praised government efforts to promote science and innovation. Hon. Silas Aogon urged Parliament to ensure the TVET Act is implemented and properly funded.

As framed by the MPs, the issue is not only educational but economic and social: they argued that Uganda’s young population could become a major asset if training is aligned with jobs, but a liability if reforms stall. The story adds that government has already introduced competency-based learning and expanded TVET institutions, though lawmakers said stronger implementation is still needed.