The Katikkiro of Buganda Kingdom, Charles Peter Mayiga, has cautioned graduates of technical and vocational institutions against rushing into self-employment without first acquiring adequate industry experience. He warned that practical skills alone are not enough to guarantee business success.
Speaking at the 20th graduation ceremony of the Buganda Royal Institute of Business and Technical Education, Mayiga said, “Graduates should not rush into self-employment simply because of the practical skills they have acquired. Each one of you needs to begin your journey under the stewardship of experienced hands.”
He explained that working under established professionals helps young people understand market realities, customer preferences, and cost-effective production methods – lessons that cannot be fully learned in training workshops alone.
“Experience remains the best teacher, even for those with hands-on skills,” he said.
Mayiga dismissed claims that having a business automatically makes one wealthy, noting that scale, management, and market access matter more than simply owning an enterprise. He urged graduates to focus on competence, integrity, and discipline.
“I urged you to make yourselves useful. Be good ambassadors of our King, whose vision led to the establishment of this institution. Wherever you go, let your work speak for you,” he said.
He commended the institute’s governing council, management, and staff for steering the institution through changing economic conditions while maintaining its mission of producing competent artisans and entrepreneurs. He also acknowledged the support of government, particularly the Ministry of Education, and other partners.
The Principal of the Buganda Royal Institute, Joseph Balikuddembe Ssenkusu, said the institute has continued to equip workshops and laboratories with modern technologies and prioritizes staff development. He added that 1,261 graduands were presented, with women accounting for 58.4%.
“The institute will continue reviewing policies and curricula to ensure relevance, conduct tracer studies to assess graduate employability, and strengthen partnerships with industry,” Ssenkusu said.
He noted that all academic programmes are fully accredited and that the majority of learners sit national examinations administered by UVTAB, guaranteeing national recognition of their qualifications.
Ssenkusu also highlighted the institute’s commitment to community service, including plans to support redevelopment of selected tourism sites managed by the Buganda Heritage and Tourism Board and complete sanitation facilities at the Naggalabi Coronation Site, drawing on the technical expertise of its students and staff.