Uganda moves to bridge skills gap through education-industry partnerships

What the report says

Uganda is expanding efforts to narrow the gap between classroom training and workplace needs by bringing education officials and manufacturers into closer partnership. The Independent Uganda reported that the initiative was emphasized at the launch of the Education Pavilion at the 32nd Uganda International Trade Fair at the Uganda Manufacturers Association showgrounds in Lugogo, Kampala.

Onesmus Oyesigye, executive director of the Uganda Vocational and Technical Assessment Board, who represented the Minister of Education and Sports, said the country’s industrial growth depends on a workforce with practical skills. He said education should be better aligned with industry, innovation and entrepreneurship, and called on manufacturers to provide students with hands-on training in real working environments. He also pointed to reforms, including the TVET Act, 2025, as part of a broader push to place employers more centrally in skills development.

The Education Pavilion is intended to give educators, industrialists and learners a place to discuss how training can respond to labor market demands. Mansul Ssenyondo of Mayende Engineering Works and a UMA board member said the pavilion aims to expose young people to modern industrial production and encourage interest in manufacturing careers.

The report places the initiative in the context of Uganda’s industrialization goals and efforts to prepare young people for work in sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture, energy, health and technology. It suggests that apprenticeships, workplace training and updated curricula will be important if the program is to have lasting impact.