When you walk through the gates of Nyamitanga Technical Institute in Mbarara, the hum of machines, the scent of fresh sawdust, and the chatter of eager students tell a story, a story of transformation through skill.
Established in 1953 by the White Fathers Missionaries as a Rural Trade School, Nyamitanga has grown from just five students and two courses to nearly a thousand learners today, driven by a shared dream: to work, create, and be self-reliant.
Community embrace of vocational skilling Mr Gilvazio Bafaki, the principal, Nyamitanga Technical Institute says the community around Nyamitanga has come to understand one truth, the world of work demands skills, not just certificates.
The evidence is the continued to enrollment of students at the institute, convinced that hands-on training is the surest path to employability and entrepreneurship.
‘Many people in our community have realised that vocational training is the only way to work and be self-reliant. They have seen firsthand how our graduates are able to earn a living, start their own businesses, and even provide affordable services to the community,’ he says.
Beyond enrolling their children, locals have also partnered with the institute, providing various services and spreading the gospel of skills training.
Tackling misconceptions
Despite the growing appreciation, a few negative perceptions still linger. Some community members, due to limited information, continue to see vocational education as inferior to traditional academic routes. Others simply lack awareness of available career paths in technical fields.
To change this narrative, Mr Bafaki says they have taken a proactive approach, reaching out through career guidance in schools, and using media platforms to showcase success stories of skilled professionals.
‘We’ve shown the community examples from developed countries like South Korea, Turkey, France, Belgium, the USA, Rwanda, and Kenya, where I have personally benchmarked,’ he says. ‘Their development is rooted in skills development, and that’s the direction Uganda must take.’
Courses that build futures
Nyamitanga offers a range of national certificate courses including Building Construction, Woodwork Technology, Plumbing, Electrical Installation Systems and Maintenance, Automotive Mechanics, and Fashion and Design.
The programmes, which run for two years or in shorter three- to six-month modules, empower learners to either start their own businesses or secure formal employment.
‘These courses have changed lives,’ Mr Bafaki says.
‘Our trainees now contribute meaningfully to Uganda’s socioeconomic growth while offering affordable services to the community.’
The numbers speak volumes. From just 450 students in 2017, enrollment has now more than doubled to 990, with 226 females and 764 males. Additionally, over 300 students are currently enrolled in short courses.
This growth has been driven by deliberate outreach through career guidance in secondary schools, print and broadcast media, and social media platforms.
‘We are proud that more parents and young people now see vocational training as a viable, respected path,’ he says.
Power of partnerships
Nyamitanga’s partnerships have played a major role in skilling thousands of Ugandan youth. Through programmes like KCB Bank’s E4D Twekozese Programme, the institute has trained 568 students, 300 males and 268 females, in short courses such as Fashion and Design, Plumbing, Solar Energy, Carpentry, and Welding.
‘These partners have also linked our graduates to industrial placements and job opportunities. We continue to benefit from partnerships with organisations like Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU), GIZ, Steel and Tube, Kakira Sugar Works, NWSC, and many others,’ management explained.
Government’s role in skilling Uganda
While Nyamitanga continues to thrive, there’s still room for government support. The institute urges the government to increase funding for infrastructure, provide more equipment and tools, and sponsor more students.
‘There’s also need for a booster fund, a loan scheme for vocational graduates, to help them start or grow their businesses,’ he says. ‘Instructors should also be retooled in new and advanced technologies to keep pace with industry demands.’
Inclusivity at its core
In a reflection of its inclusive spirit, Nyamitanga also trains refugees,14 of whom are currently enrolled.
Most prefer Electrical Installation, Automotive Mechanics, Building Construction, and Plumbing, motivated by the challenges of electricity and water supply in their settlements.
Looking ahead
For Nyamitanga Technical Institute, the journey is far from over. The administration believes that vocational training is the key to national transformation.
‘Vocational training transforms lives, fostering self-reliance and economic growth,’ Mr Bafaki says.
‘The world over, industrialisation has been built on the foundation of skills. We pray that Uganda, too, continues on this path, and that the new TVET Act 2025 will guide us toward achieving Vision 2040.’