education 22 April 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Uganda's Vocational Schools Raise Entry Bar, Sparking Outrage Among Students and Parents
Uganda's vocational institutions have introduced stricter admission rules requiring two principal passes for diplomas and credits in key subjects like Math and English for certificates, leaving many aspiring students unable to enroll. Parents and educators decry the changes as confusing and contradictory to national skilling goals. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/vocational-schools-tighten-entry-rules-5433220
Uganda’s vocational and technical schools are enforcing tougher entry requirements for diploma and certificate programs, as mandated by the Uganda Vocational and Technical Assessment Board (UVTAB). Previously, a single principal pass sufficed for diplomas, but now candidates need two principal passes in core subjects at UACE level. For certificates, students must pass five O-level subjects including English and Mathematics in one sitting.
These changes, outlined in the 2026 TVET minimum admission regulations, have blocked numerous applicants. At the Hotel and Tourism Training College (HTTC) in Jinja, over 200 students were turned away this month.
Parents are furious. Sam Bamukyaye, a former Kyambogo University lecturer, was stunned when his daughter, with one principal pass, was rejected for a diploma. He questions why vocational paths demand higher A-level standards than some universities, which accept one principal, and argues it undermines the ‘no failure’ ethos of the new O-level curriculum.
Isaac Mutebe, a welder hoping to train his son in similar skills, laments the emphasis on academic subjects over practical abilities. “President Museveni pushed for skilling, not certificates,” he said, highlighting how many fail Math and English despite hands-on talents. Aidah Naigaga’s daughter, denied entry for failing Math, has been pleading for a second chance.
Institution officials worry about fallout. HTTC’s Daniel Kazungu fears desperate students will fall prey to rogue private schools ignoring rules. An anonymous TVET principal predicts rising dropouts, noting vocational training’s role as an affordable alternative to university, and points out the contradiction with National Council for Higher Education standards allowing diplomas with lower passes.
UVTAB’s communications officer, Narasi Kambaho Anyijuka, admitted he hadn’t fully reviewed the new guidelines and promised follow-up, which hadn’t occurred by press time.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)