Category: Daily Monitor

It’s a week now since world Mental Health Day 2025 was observed On October 10th under the theme Access to services-mental health in catastrophes and emergencies. Even if the day is gone and will soon be a distant memory, the message on importance of prioritising good mental health will never grow old.

According to World Health Organisation (WHO), around one in five people in conflict-affected areas are estimated to have a mental health condition. Needless to say, mental health conditions are not only a preserve of conflict-affected areas. Life regardless of location or condition presents many situations that try the state of one’s health including mentally.

Fortunately, there has been increasing awareness and sensitisation on mental health in different spaces in communities such as schools, workplaces, churches, mosques, and other public spaces. This is good progress but must become even more aggressive to match the times. The presence of mass media, technology and mass innovations and disruptions come with massive and enhanced pressure to keep up or at least survive.

In a bid to match the pressures presented, mental health is usually thrown by the wayside as a casualty. The high economic and financial demands exacerbate it all. For students, the pressure from self, parents and schools to perform excellently in exams is rife. For politicians the pressure to win votes; the pressure to meet deadlines and close deals in the workplace, that list is endless. These pressures overtime, when compounded take a toll on mental health which in turn affects performance and the trickle-down effect eventually can be seen by all and sundry.

Just like manifesto pledges and promises from politicians about better roads, less taxes, improved education and job opportunities fill our public spaces, we must pledge first to ourselves and then to those in our circles of influence to take better care of our mental health. Be more intentional and aware about this usually ignored but ever so crucial aspect of life

It is prudent that as we embark on this last quarter of the 2025 that mental health is front and centre of our focus among all the other cares of life. There is no shame in seeking professional help if one needs it. This kind of stigma and shaming should be called out for the ignorance that it is.

WHO as part of its message for this year’s World Mental Health Day summarises some of the key action points this way: ‘Prioritise your mental health by staying connected, being physically active, and following routines. Minimise alcohol use, engage in meaningful and enjoyable activities, and seek support from trusted friends, family or health professionals.’

Absa Bank Uganda has called on professionals in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector to take a more active role in developing digital solutions that can be adopted by banks and other companies to improve services for the public.

The call was made during the 2025 GirlCode Hackathon, organised by Absa Bank Uganda in partnership with GirlCode, a non-profit organisation founded in South Africa in 2014 to bridge the gender gap in the technology sector.

Held at Golden Tulip in Kampala, the event brought together 50 tech enthusiasts from Uganda as part of a continent-wide hackathon spanning 30 hours and engaging 700 participants across eight African cities. The hackathon focused on innovation, collaboration, and skills development in the fintech sector.

Absa Bank Uganda’s Director of Marketing and Customer Experience, Ms Helen Basuuta Nangonzi, said the event showcased the talent, creativity, and problem-solving potential of Uganda’s young tech professionals.

‘Today, we have 50 participants aged between 18 and 35, working in teams to develop tech solutions that address real needs within the banking sector,’ Ms Nangonzi said. ‘They have demonstrated that when more people are involved in innovation, communities thrive and economies grow.’

She added that the hackathon aims to increase representation and participation in technology roles such as software engineering and data science.

‘This programme is designed to encourage young innovators to enter and thrive in the tech space. For too long, technology has been seen as a male-dominated field, but events like this are changing that narrative,’ she said.

GirlCode, which began as a women-only hackathon, has since evolved into an educational platform that equips participants with ICT skills, supports career development, and helps innovators bring their ideas to life.

The theme for this year’s hackathon, ‘Future-Proofing Africa,’ focused on bridging the gap between innovation, artificial intelligence (AI), and fintech. Teams tackled real-world challenges such as improving women’s financial inclusion, expanding access to credit, and designing mobile apps for financial literacy and payments.

Participants worked under the mentorship of 15 experienced professionals, developing scalable solutions that could be adopted by banks and fintech firms.

Absa Bank Uganda’s Chief Operating Officer, Ms Patricia Nshemereirwe, said the hackathon comes at a time when Uganda’s youthful population is shaping the country’s digital future.

‘Over 78 percent of Uganda’s population is under the age of 35. This generation is digitally connected and ready to innovate,’ Ms Nshemereirwe said. ‘By equipping them with the skills, mentorship, and networks to design digital solutions, we are driving both financial inclusion and economic growth.’

She added that initiatives like the GirlCode Hackathon empower participants to create technology that addresses real challenges while building confidence, technical skills, and professional networks.

‘Hackathons like this are critical because they empower participants to develop technology solutions that close opportunity gaps and advance inclusive innovation,’ Ms Nshemereirwe said.

Namuwongo Blazers arrived in Dar es Salam, Tanzania on Wednesday ahead of the Road to Basketball Africa League (BAL) action.

Representing Uganda at this level for the first time, the Blazers are seeking one of the two available tickets to the Elite 16, which is one stage closer to the ultimate competition.

Stephen Nyeko’s charges will be swimming in uncharted territory and go up against Comoros’ Djabal Club on Saturday before concluding with a clash against hosts Dar City on Sunday.

‘It is very exciting to be here to represent the country as Namuwongo Blazers,’ Nyeko told the press after the team’s media day.

‘It’s a dream come true. We thought of this some years back and we are right here in Tanzania, we hope to deliver,’ he added.

John Murray, John Obasa and Bereal Jr Jaycson Ray are three high-profile additions the Blazers added to the squad in a bid to negotiate the first hurdle.

The three will add great experience to the squad that already has Jimmy Enabu, James Okello and Ivan Muhwezi -who have all featured for City Oilers at previous BAL competitions.

With just three teams taking part in the Division East Group Phase, the Blazers will be aiming at a strong showing as they chase qualification to the Elite 16 scheduled for November.

Uganda missed out on representation at the BAL last season after City Oilers failed to make it out of Division East Group phase held in Nairobi, Kenya.

Dar City are expected to be the Blazers’ biggest challengers for top spot, but second place would be enough to send the Ugandan side to the next stage.

Little known Djabal will also be looking to make some noise in the competition that has in the past produced high-profile shocks, including that of Kriol Stars snatching a ticket in Nairobi last year.

Road To BAL

Division East

Namuwongo Blazers fixtures

Saturday

Dar City vs. Nam Blazers, 7pm

Sunday

Nam Blazers vs. Djabal, 7pm

The National Drug Authority (NDA) has recovered government drugs valued at more than Shs30 million that had been stolen from health facilities in the central region.

According to NDA Communications Manager, Mr Abiaz Rwamwiri, the recovery followed a four-day compliance and enforcement operation conducted in Greater Masaka and Gomba districts.

‘During the same operation, three health workers attached to Kyazanga Health Centre IV in Lwengo District and Kagamba Health Centre III in Rakai District were also arrested,’ Mr Rwamwiri said during a press briefing at NDA’s Central Region offices in Masaka City on October 17.

Among the recovered items were anti-malarial drugs, Hepatitis and malaria testing kits, cannulas, examination gloves, mama kits, and ARVs.

‘Theft of government drugs denies ordinary Ugandans access to essential medicines in public facilities. These acts are carried out by selfish health workers. I warn such unscrupulous civil servants to desist from this syndicated crime before they are caught,’ Mr Rwamwiri cautioned.

The arrested health officers were identified as John Odoi, attached to Kagamba Health Centre III in Rakai, who was tracked to his private facility, Divine Mercy Drug Shop, where NDA found drugs and medical equipment worth over Shs10 million.

Another suspect, Julius Musobole Babalanda, a clinician at Kyazanga Health Centre IV, was arrested at his private facility, St. Tereza Medical Centre in Bukoto, Kyazanga, with mosquito nets, malaria testing kits, and anti-malarial drugs, among other items.

Mr Alfred Ayom Akali, a senior drug inspector at NDA, said a third health worker, Jackie Nakuya, attached to Kiwangala Health Centre IV in Lwengo, connived with Musobole to steal government drugs.

Nakuya reportedly runs a private clinic in Kitoro, Lwengo, and some of the stolen drugs were found hidden inside her boutique in Masaka City.

Mr Akali added that during the same operation, NDA closed more than 80 unlicensed drug shops and impounded over 150 boxes of assorted medicines worth about Shs92 million.

Dr Rashida Nakalema, who represented Dr Muhammad Lukwago, the NDA Regional Manager for Central Uganda, warned that stolen government drugs often lose their potency due to poor storage conditions, putting lives at risk.

‘Stolen drugs compromise their effectiveness and deny poor Ugandans access to essential treatment at public health facilities. We urge members of the public to remain vigilant and report anyone involved in the theft or illegal sale of government medicines,’ Dr Nakalema said.

Since 2019, NDA has conducted similar operations in which drugs worth over Shs13 billion have been recovered, and 36 government health workers have been arrested and charged with illegal possession of government stores, among other offences.

In an economic climate where capital must work smarter, not just harder, the discerning Ugandan investor is turning to assets that blend architectural intelligence with irrefutable financial logic. The classic bed-and-breakfast model, long seen as a quaint venture, is being re-engineered. On a standard 100×100 plot, a new prototype has emerged, one that treats every square metre as a revenue-generating asset and understands that modern luxury is defined by space and wellness.

This is not just a place to sleep; it is a meticulously calibrated hospitality engine. With a construction budget of Shs400m-Shs450m, this project demonstrates how strategic design, a clear market mix, and the mandatory inclusion of premium amenities can create a cash flow powerhouse that appeals to both the local staycation market and the longer-term business traveler.

Building a premium product

Gone are the cramped, single-room units of old. The architectural philosophy here is rooted in the understanding that the post-pandemic guest prioritises personal space and the ability to live, not just lodge. The structure is arranged in an L-shape or a hollow square, embracing a central, landscaped courtyard. This configuration ensures privacy and natural light for every unit while creating a serene, communal heart for the property. The exterior employs a clean, contemporary style of clean lines, a palette of warm plaster and natural stone cladding, and large, sliding glass doors that blur the line between the interior living rooms and the verdant outdoors.

“The design intentionally moves away from the institutional feel of a hotel,” explains Simon Peter Kazibwe, lead architect on the project. “By designing one- and two-bedroom suites, each with a full kitchen and spacious living area, we are selling an experience, a temporary home. This is what allows the property to command premium rates, from the business traveller on a week-long assignment to the family on a weekend retreat.”

The unit mix

The financial brilliance of the plan lies in its calculated unit mix, designed to capture multiple market segments simultaneously. Four two-bedroom suites (approx. 65-75 sqm each): These are the flagship units. Perfect for small families or business colleagues, they feature two en-suite bedrooms, a spacious living room, and a fully functional kitchen. Their premium furnishing and prime location within the plot allow them to generate between Shs250,000 and Shs350,000 per night.

Four one-bedroom suites (approx. 45-55 sqm each): Targeting couples and solo travellers seeking more space than a studio, these suites offer a separate bedroom, a comfortable living area, and a kitchenette. They are priced competitively between Shs100,000 and Shs180,000 per night, ensuring high occupancy rates.

The financial breakdown:

This mixed-model strategy creates a robust and diversified income stream:

Two-bedroom suites: 4 units x Shs300,000 (average) = Shs1,200,000 per day

One-bedroom suites: 4 units x Shs140,000 (average) = Shs 560,000 per day

Total daily revenue (at 100 percent occupancy): Shs1,760,000

Projected monthly revenue: Shs1,760,000 x 30 = Shs 52,800,000

Accounting for a more realistic average occupancy rate of 80 percent, the property projects a conservative monthly income of approximately Shs42m, a figure that turns heads in the investment community.

The wellness pod

Understanding that competition is no longer just about the room, the plan dedicates significant space to a standalone Wellness Pod. This facility, housing a modern gym, a dry sauna, and two treatment rooms for massages and spa services, is the critical differentiator. “Amenities have shifted from ‘nice-to-have’ to ‘need-to-have’,” states Annet Nalwoga, a hospitality consultant. “The modern client, especially the one willing to pay Shs300,000 a night, will filter their search for properties with a gym and spa. Without it, you are instantly invisible to a large portion of your target market. It is no longer an extra cost; it is the cost of entry.”

Design and finish tiers

The property is designed for efficiency without compromising on experience. Parking for five to eight cars is thoughtfully integrated, using permeable paving to manage runoff. It also provides two different finishing tiers to suit different budgets. The two budget tiers allow an investor to calibrate their initial outlay against their desired return on investment timeline:

Shs400m (average finish)

High-quality local materials dominate: durable ceramic tiles, custom solid wood furniture, and elegant locally sourced fabrics. The aesthetic is “modern Kampala”; smart, sophisticated, and low-maintenance.

Shs 450m (high finish)

This tier introduces imported luxury. Expect engineered hardwood or luxury vinyl plank flooring, quartz countertops, premium sanitary ware in the suites, and modern audio-visual system in the Wellness Pod. The finish feels more like a high-end serviced apartment, justifying the upper end of the rental scale.

Tastes

The modern client, especiallythe one willing to pay Shs300,000 a night, will filter their search for properties with a gym and spa. Without it, you are instantly invisible to a large portion of your target market. It is no longer an extra cost; it is the cost of entry.»

Police in Jinja City have arrested a 40-year-old clinical officer attached to Mpumudde Health Centre IV for allegedly defiling a five-year-old girl.

According to police, the suspect allegedly lured the victim with yogurt and biscuits on the afternoon of October 16 in Jinja Northern Division, Jinja City.

Kiira Region Police Spokesperson Mr James Mubi confirmed the incident on Friday during a press conference.

Mr Mubi said the suspect first approached the victim’s mother, who operates a canteen at the health facility, asking about her daughter’s whereabouts.

The girl’s mother then sent her to a nearby shop at the suspect’s request to buy yogurt and biscuits. After purchasing the items, the child took them to the suspect’s room located within the health facility premises, where the alleged incident is said to have occurred.

Mr Mubi said that after the incident, the top management of the health facility immediately notified Mpumudde Police Station, which promptly responded and arrested the suspect, who had attempted to flee.

‘The medical and all other mandatory procedures are being conducted, and prosecution-guided investigations are ongoing to ensure the suspect is produced before court to answer a charge of aggravated defilement,’ Mr Mubi said.

He added that police have appealed to the Allied Health Professionals Council (AHPC) to revoke the suspect’s practicing certificate upon conviction.

Mr Mubi further urged parents and caretakers to be vigilant about individuals who appear overly fond of their children, regardless of gender.

‘Parents should always be cautious about the nature of relationships their children form and the motives behind them,’ he said.

21-year-old arrested over defilement of 3-year-old girl in Kamuli.

Meanwhile, in Kamuli District, the police are investigating another case of aggravated defilement and child trafficking that occurred in Bulunga Village, Butansi Parish, Butansi Sub-county.

Mr Faizal Buulo, the NRM flag bearer for Butansi Sub-county, told reporters at Kamuli Police Station that at around 2pm on Thursday, October 16, he heard distress sounds from the suspect’s house and, upon checking, allegedly found the suspect abusing the child.

He said he immediately reported the matter to local authorities, who referred it to Butansi Police Station. Police later alerted Kamuli Police Station for further action and file opening.

Mr Samson Lubega, the Busoga North Police Spokesperson, confirmed the incident and identified the suspect as a 21-year-old casual sugarcane cutter and resident of Bulunga Village who allegedly defiled a three-year-old girl.

Mr Lubega said police have already opened a case file and recorded statements from key witnesses.

‘We have conducted a medical examination of the victim and recovered relevant exhibits. Forensic samples, including vaginal swabs and the suspect’s clothing, have been collected for submission to the Directorate of Government Analytical Laboratory,’ Mr Lubega said.

He condemned acts of sexual violence, noting that a thorough investigation is underway and the suspect will be arraigned in court once investigations are complete.

‘We continue to urge parents and guardians to be vigilant and report any form of child abuse or suspicious behaviour to the nearest police station, community liaison office, or local authorities,’ Mr Lubega added.

The National Unity Platform (NUP) has officially written to the leadership of the Inter-Party Organisation for Dialogue (IPOD) seeking admission to become a member.

In an October 13 letter, seen by this publication, NUP Secretary General David Lewis Rubongoya informed the IPOD Executive Director, Dr Lawrence Sserwambala Kabagabe, that the party was ready to become an abiding member.

‘In response to your letter dated October 10, 2025, in the absence of a special format, please treat this as the formal expression of interest,’ the letter reads in part.

It adds: ‘Regarding the objectives, principles and values, the National Unity Platform believes in the genuine implementation of the objectives, principles and values stated in the memorandum, including patriotism and accountability; democracy and good governance; institutional integrity of political parties; effective participation of women, youth and other special interest groups in political processes; observance of fundamental human rights and freedoms; the strengthening of electoral laws and processes; and fair competition through free and fair elections.’

NUP officials were not available for comment by press time yesterday, but Dr Kabagabe confirmed receiving the letter, which he said had already been forwarded to IPOD members.

‘Now that they have written officially, we have sent the letter to the secretary generals of different political parties, and soon the IPOD Council will convene to discuss the admission of the new member,’ he said.

Should the Council approve NUP’s request, Dr Kabagabe said a special IPOD summit would then be convened to formally usher in the party.

Mr Rubongoya’s request came three days after Dr Kabagabe had, in an October 10 letter, advised him to write to the IPOD Council secretary seeking admission in line with Article 5.2.7.

He said: ‘Article 5.2.7 provides that ‘a political party eligible to join IPOD shall express its interest in writing to the Secretary to the Council,’ where a party is expected to state its intent….’

Formerly a private institution, IPOD became a department under the National Consultative Forum (NCF) after President Museveni assented to the Political Parties and Organisations (Amendment) Act, 2025, which Parliament passed in July.

The new law made IPOD and the Forum for Non-Represented Political Parties and Organisations members of the NCF and defined their functions. It also mandated all political parties represented in Parliament to subscribe to IPOD in order to access funding currently channelled through the NCF.

Bunyole East MP Yusuf Mutembuli, who led the team that introduced the amendment, said the previous law did not adequately address the conduct of political parties that disregard the principles of tolerance, dialogue and peaceful co-existence as required under the Political Parties and Organisations Act.

‘When political parties commit to these principles, it reduces the likelihood of conflicts, violence or divisive politics…’ he said.

After the law was passed and signed, NUP initially refused to join IPOD, describing it as a ‘money-minting scheme.’

However, last week, after the government released Shs10b for political parties, including Shs1.4b for NUP, pending its admission to IPOD, the party changed its stance.

The party also petition the High Court, accusing the government of excluding it from funding.

Mr Rubongoya told NTV earlier this month that NUP was initially hesitant to join IPOD because it was then a private company limited by guarantee, and did not assist the party when its members were being abducted by security operatives.

‘When they realised that we had refused to join IPOD, they, in a very irregular way, brought a law in Parliament amending the Political Parties and Organisations Act, which made IPOD a department of the National Consultative Forum where we are already members. In fact, our National Treasurer is the Vice Chairperson of NCF,’ he said.

The new development means that once admitted, NUP will participate in all IPOD activities.

Several secondary schools in the rural parts of Kasese District are struggling to implement Uganda’s new curriculum due to a shortage of computers and lack of electricity.

The absence of these essential facilities has made it difficult for many schools to meet the requirements of the new competency-based curriculum, which emphasises digital literacy and technology integration.

The persistent challenges have negatively affected student enrolment and academic performance, forcing some schools, such as Mutanywana Secondary School, St Kizito Mahango Secondary School, Busara High Secondary School, and St John’s Nyakabingo Secondary School, to limit their teaching to subjects and projects that do not require computers.

These schools have appealed to the Ministry of Education and Sports to intervene and provide the required support to enable them deliver quality education to over 2,000 students currently enrolled in the affected institutions.

Mr Garshom Mutahwa, deputy head teacher at Mutanywana Secondary School in Bukonzo County East, said the facility is facing an acute shortage of computers.

‘This school is lacking equipment to support modern technological teaching. Out of the 20 computers we have, only six are functional. Yet we have more than 700 students. We need at least 50 additional working computers to ensure that every student gets a fair opportunity to learn,’ he said.

Many schools in the mountainous areas of Kasese District remain unconnected to the national electricity grid. Even those equipped with solar systems have found them unreliable or non-functional. Without electricity, computers and other digital tools remain unused, derailing efforts to implement new curriculum effectively.

Mr Nehemia Bwambale Kinyambururu, the head teacher of St Kizito Mahango Secondary School in Kyabwenge Parish, Mahango Sub-county, revealed that his school, established more than 20 years ago, has never received a single computer from the government.

‘We once received a solar energy system donated by Merkur Cooperative Bank in Denmark to help us power our school. Unfortunately, the system stopped working many years ago. We are now in total darkness. Our students rely on small lamps for revision,’ Mr Kinyambururu said.

Fortunate Biira, a 19-year-old student and mother, described the difficulty of studying without electricity. ‘It’s very expensive to buy kerosene for my lamp. We desperately need power here at school. I may soon finish my UCE exams, but I hope my younger colleagues can be helped to access electricity and computers for a better learning experience.’

Community leaders

Mr Cleus Bwambale Tinkasimire, a community leader and secondary school teacher, warned that the lack of technology threatens to leave an entire generation of rural students behind.

‘Students in rural Kasese are on the verge of completing school without any computer skills. Most of them come from homes without electricity or digital access. This situation calls for urgent government intervention.’

Kasese Woman Member of Parliament, Ms Florence Kabugho, echoed the same concern, pledging to raise the matter with relevant ministries.

‘Our students should be able to compete with their peers across the country,’ Ms Kabugho said.

‘Teaching under these conditions is difficult. I will continue to advocate for improved learning infrastructure in our rural schools,’ she added.

Recently, the Minister of State for ICT and National Guidance, Mr Godfrey Baluku Kabbyanga, assured the public that the government remains committed to equipping schools with free computers and internet access.

Police in Masindi District have intercepted and recovered 24 tonnes of sugarcane allegedly stolen from Kinyara Sugar Ltd, in what authorities say is fresh evidence that reopened weighbridges are abetting rampant cane theft in the region.

The sugarcane was found on Tuesday at Rukondwa weighbridge in Bikonzi Sub-county, Bujenje County – a site previously ordered shut by the Ministry of Trade over its suspected role in illegal sugarcane trade but later reopened following lobbying by farmer groups and local leaders.

According to police investigations, the stolen cane was loaded on a contractor truck on the evening of October 13 from Kingo No. 6 field, part of Kinyara’s estate. Instead of delivering it to the factory, the driver allegedly diverted the cane to Rukondwa weighbridge where it was weighed and sold. Kinyara Sugar Ltd’s security and haulage teams discovered the diversion the following morning when the same driver returned to collect a new loading docket – triggering suspicion. Upon investigation, security officers tracked the vehicle to Rukondwa, where they found the cane. The driver fled the scene, but two loaders were arrested.

‘Our security intervened immediately. The driver had partially reloaded the truck but escaped. However, we arrested two of his loaders who later led us to the weighbridge,’ said Mr Francis Mugerwa, the Kinyara Sugar Ltd public relations officer.A security guard attached to Command Private Security, deployed at the Rukondwa weighbridge, reportedly confessed in a police statement to witnessing the truck offloading sugarcane at midnight. Police have registered the case under file references 02/14/10/2025 and 26/14/10/2025, and impounded the truck as evidence.

Masindi District CID Officer ASP Joseph Karwani confirmed the arrests and said efforts are ongoing to apprehend the driver and possible accomplices.

‘We have opened a case file, recovered the exhibit, and continue to investigate the network behind this theft,’ Karwani said. This incident has reignited debate over the role of rural weighbridges in aiding the illegal sugarcane trade. In March 2024, the Masindi District Council passed a resolution banning the transportation of cane using motorcycles and tuk-tuks and recommended the halting of weighbridge operations linked to sugar theft.

In early 2025, Trade Minister Francis Mwebesa ordered the closure of several weighbridges across the Bunyoro Sub-region, citing their involvement in sugarcane poaching and disruption of regulated supply chains. However, following lobbying from interest groups, including the Bunyoro Sugarcane Farmers’ Cooperative Union, some weighbridges – including Rukondwa – were quietly allowed to resume operations. Now, critics argue that decision may have backfired. ‘With this confirmation that Rukondwa was used to traffic stolen cane, we demand that it be shut down permanently,’ said Phinehas Kyotasobora, vice chairperson of Masindi Sugarcane Growers’ Association.

Sugarcane theft is increasingly threatening the viability of Uganda’s sugar industry, especially in Masindi District where both contracted farmers and processors have suffered significant losses. In one 2025 court case, four suspects – including a farm manager, boda boda rider, broker and driver – were charged with stealing cane worth Shs5 million from a contracted farmer. They were later granted bail after initial remand.

Sugar sector

The sugar sector contributes between 5-7 percent to the GDP, generates Shs350-Shs550b in annual tax revenues, and supports over 135,000 direct and indirect jobs. Kinyara Sugar Ltd alone directly employs more than 7,000 workers and works with hundreds of outgrower farmers.

The government, through the Uganda Vocational and Technical Assessment Board (UVTAB), has resolved to fix the assessment and accreditation cycle for Technical and Vocational Training Education (TVET) candidates in both formal and informal institutions.

Mr Onesmus Oyesigye, the Executive Secretary of UVTAB, says the current assessment and accreditation process has been inconveniencing the board since each institution or individual trainers have been presenting their candidates to the board for assessment at any given time.

“Assessment has been continuous. As soon as they finish, they come here for assessment. Every day, there are trainees walking in here for assessment, and they are not few. We have discussed at the board level to ensure that assessment is regulated. The board has guided that we develop an assessment cycle that can be followed by all trainers. Even visitors who come to your home need to be regulated. It is only in the restaurant where people just walk in at any given time,” Mr Oyesigye said during a media engagement held at UVTAB offices in Kampala on October 16.

He also disclosed that UVTAB staff have been deployed in the field to conduct similar assessments on a monthly basis. Mr. Oyesigye said the board is now in the process of consulting training institutions as stakeholders agree on the assessment period.

“The training normally takes three months. We shall discuss with those who are involved in that type of training, but most probably, we are going to assess students four times a year. We don’t want it to be abrupt. We shall be assessing trainees in March, June, September, and December so that the trainings are also synchronised,” he said.

UVTAB is responsible for the assessment and certification of competences obtained through formal and informal technical and vocational training institutions. Mr. Oyesigye also noted that once the TVET Council has accredited all the trainers as required by the TVET Act, 2025, all informal training institutions will start presenting their candidates to UVTAB for assessment and accreditation through formal accredited providers.

On the issue of staffing, Mr Oyesigye said the Ministry of Public Service had already approved the board’s structure and that more staff will be recruited to offer quality and timely services. He clarified that the recent merger of Uganda Business and Technical Examinations Board (UBTEB) and the Directorate of Industrial Training (DIT) to form UVTAB did not greatly affect the staffing level of the board since staff from the merged institutions were retained by the new TVET program assessment body (UVTAB).

Meanwhile, UVTAB will today, October 17, release the first set of Uganda Vocational and Technical assessment results since the merger.

The Board conducted the assessments from May 2 to June 27, 2025. According to Mr. Oyesigye, a total of 30,169 candidates registered for the May-June 2025 end-of-program assessment from 499 assessment centers. Of these, 306 (61%) are informal, while 193 (39%) are formal providers. Of these, 17,423 were female, and 13,196 candidates were male.

The assessment covered broad categories of Technical Education and Training (TVET) programs, including Technology Education and Training, Business Education and Training, Home Science Education and Training, and Sports Education and Training, and Informally Acquired Skills.

The occasion is expected to be presided over by the First Lady and Minister of Education, Janet Museveni, at the UVTAB National Skills Assessment Centre, at Kyambogo Hill, in Kampala.