Kyambogo University has reaffirmed its role as a leader in vocational education and training (VET) during the commemoration of the Day of Vocational Studies. The keynote address, delivered by Dr. Grace Muhoozi, emphasized the institution’s historical contributions to vocational education and its commitment to producing a skilled workforce for Uganda and beyond.
Kyambogo University is a pioneer in the promotion of Vocational Education and Training (VET) in Uganda. The disciplines emphasized in vocational studies provide an education that prepares individuals to be gainfully employed or self-employed, with requisite skills modeled through artisanship, skilled craft, and innovative own-trade development. These programs equip students with a mixed skill set that significantly enhances their lifetime earnings prospects.
With a focus on skills and self-sustenance, vocational studies are a crucial driver for attaining the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4, which seeks to “ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.”
Despite notable progress, vocational education in Uganda has faced hurdles such as limited resources, outdated mindsets, and implementation gaps. However, Dr. Muhoozi noted that government initiatives, such as the 1992 “Government White Paper on Education,” have laid a strong foundation for growth in this sector.
Over the years, Kyambogo University has expanded its vocational programs, attracting international partnerships, including collaborations with Oslo Metropolitan University in Norway. The restructuring of 2021 led to the establishment of the School of Vocational Studies, which now houses departments in Family and Consumer Studies, Fashion and Cosmetology, Hotel and Institutional Catering, and Nutritional Science and Dietetics.
The keynote address stressed that vocational training is a solution to youth unemployment, offering hands-on, career-focused education. Countries like Germany, Singapore, Australia, and South Korea have seen success with similar models, emphasizing apprenticeships and industry partnerships.
As Uganda navigates rapid technological advancements and industrial demands, Dr. Muhoozi urged for increased support and investment in vocational education. “We are the architects of a skilled workforce and catalysts for economic growth,” she stated, calling upon stakeholders to further nurture and expand VET programs.
With Kyambogo University standing out as one of the few institutions in Africa with a dedicated faculty of vocational studies, its impact on Uganda’s education landscape remains significant. The event concluded with a renewed commitment to strengthening vocational education as a driver of national development and self-reliance.
