education 2 April 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Teachers Urged to Gain Vocational Skills for Extra Income Amid Job Market Challenges
Uganda's TVET council executive director advises teachers to acquire alternative skills like farming to boost their earnings and stay relevant. He also calls for prioritizing vocational training in schools from primary level to ensure learners secure decent livelihoods. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/teachers-advised-on-acquiring-alternative-skills-to-supplement-their-income-5410884
Teachers in Uganda are being encouraged to pick up additional vocational skills to supplement their salaries and maintain relevance in a tough job market.
Speaking at a thanksgiving event for Ankole diocese education heads in Mbarara City, Mr. Moses Kasakya, executive director of the Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) council, stressed the need for innovation. “That tomato garden or banana plantation can help supplement your income,” he said, noting that teaching salaries alone are insufficient.
Kasakya warned that retirees without alternative engagements face health issues in old age, urging educators to adopt TVET skills early to remain active.
He appealed to schools to introduce vocational training from primary level, as many pupils do not advance further but still need viable livelihoods. Even higher-level graduates struggle with employment, he added.
Ankole Bishop Rt Rev Sheldon Mwesigwa called for greater advocacy involving communities, parents, schools, and government to elevate vocational skills’ status, which has long been overlooked.
Diocesan Education Secretary Rev Canon Agasha Muhwezi highlighted their early adoption of vocational programs, crediting it for strong performances. Their schools achieved 24.83% in Division One for last year’s PLE, surpassing the national 11.39%, with 12 in the top 100 UPE schools.
The event celebrated the diocese’s schools for consistent academic excellence.
Source: Daily Monitor