A mechanic’s student (in blue) explaining to the guests how the engine operates during the exhibition.
By our Reporter
KIRYANDONGO: Uganda’s ambition to become a middle-income country under Vision 2040 is increasingly being anchored on skills development, with the Technical and Vocational Education and Training Council (TVETC) identifying the National Skills Competition as a flagship platform to drive this transformation.
Representing the TVETC Chairperson, Mutebi Ronald emphasized that equipping young people with practical skills is now a national priority, noting that the competition is not only about showcasing talent but also about aligning vocational training with Uganda’s broader economic goals.
He said the competition directly supports the country’s target of growing its economy from USD 50 billion to USD 500 billion, in line with Vision 2040, through building a competent workforce to support key sectors such as agro-industrialization, tourism, mineral development, and science and technology.
“The significance of the skills competition is enormous. It is a flagship activity under the national skilling strategy and a platform to celebrate excellence while ensuring that skills remain relevant to economic transformation,” Mutebi noted.
He stressed the need for stronger collaboration between regulators, training institutions, and industry players to ensure that skills training translates into employment, wealth creation, and inclusive growth as outlined in the National Development Plan IV.
The remarks set the tone for the official launch of the National Skills Competition 2026 held at Kiryandongo Technical Institute, which attracted participants from across the country including government agencies, development partners, industry experts, and students.
The event began with a colourful procession led by the UPDF Brass Band, involving participants from TVETC, the Ministry of Education and Sports, development partners such as KOICA, Enabel, Stanbic Bank Uganda, as well as institutional leaders and trainees.
Following the march through Kiryandongo Town Council, participants toured various exhibitions showcasing innovations and practical skills before convening for the official opening ceremony.
Admission into World Skills International
Speaking at the event, Assistant Commissioner for TVET, Dr. Eddy Turyetemba, provided background on Uganda’s participation in global skills competitions. He noted that Uganda joined WorldSkills International in 2019, becoming the 8th African country among over 90 participating nations.
He explained that competitors are selected through a structured process beginning at institutional level, progressing to regional competitions, and culminating at the national level.
The best two performers will represent Uganda at the WorldSkills Competition scheduled to take place in Shanghai, China from September 22 to 27, 2026. A total of 75 participants from 28 technical institutions from government and private sector took part in the competition of the 10 trades.
Dr. Turyetemba said the competition is aimed at improving the perception of vocational training, promoting skills excellence, and preparing young people for both local and international labour markets.
“With 74 percent of Uganda’s population being youth, many of whom are not productively engaged, skills development is critical in unlocking the country’s potential,” he said.
Concerns about youth unemployment were also raised by Kiryandongo’s Principal Assistant Chief Administrative Officer, Dacan Denis, who revealed that about 22 percent of Uganda’s youth remain unemployed.
He noted that while universities produce over 700,000 graduates annually, only about 90,000 representing roughly 12 percent secure formal employment.
Denis called for a shift in government investment from university education to vocational training, arguing that expanding the capacity of technical institutions would significantly reduce unemployment.
“If more resources are injected into vocational institutions, including scholarships, more young people will acquire practical skills that are directly relevant to the labour market,” he said.
Need to engage private sector
Development partners reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Uganda’s skilling agenda, with Emmanuel Kisangala, Program Manager at Enabel under the WeWork Project, emphasizing the importance of partnerships.
He noted that the competition’s theme, “Shaping a Skills-Driven Future,” reflects Uganda’s development aspirations and the role of young people as drivers of change.
Kisangala, however, stressed the need to deliberately involve the private sector, noting that globally, successful skills systems are anchored on strong industry partnerships that provide equipment, expertise, and employment opportunities.
Korea applaud Uganda on skills development
Similarly, the Country Director of Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), Jihee Ahn, described the competition as more than a showcase of technical ability, but a celebration of innovation and the immense potential of Uganda’s youth.
She highlighted that KOICA has supported skills development initiatives in Uganda for the past four years, including hosting a regional competition in 2025 that attracted participants from five East African countries, where Uganda emerged among the top performers.
Drawing lessons from South Korea’s post-war recovery, she emphasized that sustained investment in education and skills training was key to its rapid economic transformation.
“Investing in skills today lays the foundation for a stronger and more resilient future,” she said.
At the district level, leaders reaffirmed their support for government skilling initiatives. Kiryandongo District Secretary for Finance, David Mugenyi, noted that the district is actively implementing the President’s directive on skilling youth through industrial hubs.
He explained that beneficiaries are carefully vetted at the community level to ensure equitable access and effectiveness of the program.
Mugenyi also expressed interest in emerging vocational skills such as earthworm farming, noting its importance in improving soil fertility and supporting sustainable agriculture.
Assistant Resident District Commissioner Natasha Gloria urged trainees to take advantage of government programs such as the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emyooga to improve their livelihoods.
She challenged negative perceptions that vocational education is meant for academic failures, urging participants to demonstrate the value of skills through practical application.
Earlier, the LC I Chairperson of Kiryandongo I Cell, Mr. Kamanyire Patrick, welcomed participants and commended KOICA for sponsoring students. He encouraged trainees to apply their skills and act as ambassadors of vocational training.
The Principal of Kiryandongo Technical Institute emphasized that the competition is not just about winning, but about shaping the future through practical solutions to community challenges.
He applauded partners including KOICA, Enabel, Stanbic Bank, and Kiryandongo Sugar Factory for their support, noting that prioritizing skills development is equivalent to investing in the country’s future.
