education 18 September 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Uganda Government Plans Free Lower-Level TVET Education to Boost Youth Employment
Uganda's government intends to eliminate tuition fees for lower-level Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programs. This initiative aims to enhance access to practical skills, thereby empowering the youth to create their own employment opportunities amidst rising unemployment. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/why-govt-intends-to-make-tvet-education-cost-free-5600772
The Ugandan government is set to introduce free education for lower-level Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) courses as part of a broader strategy to combat youth unemployment and foster self-employment.
According to acting Minister of Education and Sports, Dr. John Chrysostom Muyingo, the move is designed to make skill development more accessible to young Ugandans. “The government has plans to expand access to Technical and Vocational training by providing opportunities for trainees to pursue lower-level TVET programmes free of charge,” Dr. Muyingo stated during the recent release of Uganda Vocational and Technical Assessment Board (UVTAB) results.
This initiative comes as TVET programs gain prominence for their role in equipping individuals with practical skills, bridging the gap between education and the job market, and leading to more stable employment. The government aims to shift the focus from job seeking to job creation among the youth.
Details regarding the rollout of free TVET education are expected soon, with the ministry planning to issue specific guidelines. Additionally, new regulations have been gazetted to bolster the oversight of TVET institutions, including the TVET Regulations 2026, which address trainee admissions and the governance of both public and private TVET providers.
The recent UVTAB assessment results showed a high pass rate, with 17,262 candidates successfully completing their preliminary papers. This performance marks an improvement from the previous year, with 84.4 percent of candidates achieving full competence across various fields such as Technology, Business, Home Science, and Agriculture.
This policy aligns with President Museveni’s 2026-2031 manifesto pledge to strengthen TVET education, improve infrastructure, and invest in digital learning. Lawmakers have welcomed the plan, emphasizing TVET’s crucial role in producing skilled individuals capable of entrepreneurship.