Parliament Pushes for Shs 9 Billion Release to Fast-Track TVET Curriculum Reforms

Parliamentary intervention offers renewed optimism for the development and implementation of a new Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) curriculum in Uganda.

During a meeting on April 10, 2026, the Committee on Education and Sports urged the Ministry of Education and Sports to swiftly release Shs 9 billion to the TVET Council. Of the Shs 10 billion allocated for the 2025/2026 financial year, only Shs 1 billion had been disbursed by March 2026, stalling critical reforms.

Committee Chairperson Hon. James Kubeketerya emphasized the need for rapid action, advising the ministry to provide clear timelines for phasing out the old curriculum and introducing the new one. MPs like Hon. John Ntamuhira expressed worries over delays in operationalizing Sector Skills Expert Committees, which are essential for curriculum updates and upcoming student assessments.

Hon. Nathan Itungo questioned the basis for licensing and accrediting TVET institutions under an outdated curriculum developed by the National Curriculum Development Centre (NCDC). He called for clarity on the transition period ahead of the May-June 2026 assessments.

The committee also addressed overlapping roles between the TVET Council and NCDC regarding diploma programs. TVET Council Acting Executive Director Winston Abanaitwe reported severe operational constraints, including staffing at just 10% capacity, inadequate office space, and limited transport, which have slowed inspections—with only 76 of 239 applications processed.

This push aims to overcome underfunding hurdles impeding vocational training services nationwide.

Source: Parliament of Uganda