Ugandan Chef Earns Global Acclaim at WorldSkills Competition

Ugandan culinary talent Paul Terran Lugobe has brought international recognition to the country by securing a Medal of Excellence in Culinary Arts at the 48th WorldSkills Competition in Shanghai. Lugobe, a 21-year-old student at Hotel and Tourism Training College (HTTC) Jinja, competed against over 1,400 participants from nearly 70 nations across 64 skill categories.

The Medal of Excellence signifies a world-class standard of achievement, underscoring the quality of vocational training available in Uganda. Lugobe’s success is a testament to the growing emphasis on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in Uganda, a sector that has seen significant policy shifts in recent years.

Uganda joined WorldSkills International in 2019, and this marks the third time the nation has participated. Dr. Safinah Kisu Museene, Commissioner for Health Education and Training and WorldSkills Uganda Official Delegate, noted that participation in such global events is crucial for curriculum development and improving instructor competence. “When we participate in skills competitions and attend skills conferences, we are able to appreciate how standards are set, and then we use those standards back home to improve on our curriculum and competence of our instructors,” she stated.

Lugobe expressed that the experience was eye-opening and reinforced his belief in the opportunities offered by vocational skills. “Skills bring opportunities, skills bring income, and all the young people out there should embrace skills,” he urged. He also highlighted the value of international connections made, forging friendships with peers from various countries.

Fellow Ugandan competitors, welder Elizabeth Mirabel Mutoro and nursing student Flavia Nakaayi, also participated, showcasing Uganda’s diverse vocational capabilities. Mutoro emphasized the importance of gender inclusivity in TVET and called for updated training equipment to match global standards.

The success at Shanghai serves as a powerful motivator for Ugandan youth to pursue skills-based education, with Lugobe optimistically looking forward to future competitions, including the 2028 event in Japan.

Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/ugandan-chef-gets-global-recognition-5621612