Govt-aided Namutumba technical school struggles with enrollment crisis
In this file photo, graduates of Basoga Nsadhu Memorial Technical Institute cut a celebratory cake after receiving their certificates. PHOTO/RONALD SEEBE
What you need to know:
- Uganda’s vocational push falters as Namutumba govt institute struggles.
Despite Uganda’s push for vocational education to tackle rising unemployment, Basoga Nsadhu Memorial Technical Institute in Namutumba District is struggling with low student enrollment, raising concerns over policy impact and public attitudes.
Established in memory of former Information Minister Basoga Nsadhu, the government-aided institute currently enrolls only about 320 students, with the majority coming from outside the district.
Mr Ssempebwa Kizito, the principal, said the root of the problem lies in a lack of career guidance at lower school levels.
“The lack of career guidance has limited students' knowledge about vocational studies, largely because both parents and students are unaware of its importance,” Mr Kizito told AFP.
Between 2019 and 2023, the institute graduated only 150 students across various disciplines, including electrical installation, automotive mechanics, plumbing, building and construction, fashion and design, and catering.
Mr Kizito warned that the country’s broader employment goals cannot be achieved unless more students acquire practical skills.
“Vocational graduates are well-positioned to secure jobs or create their own opportunities during or after completing their studies,” he said on Tuesday.
Prof George Kamba of Busitema University echoed the concern, saying vocational education still suffers from a societal image problem.
“You don't necessarily need to attend university to acquire a viable skill. What is crucial is having a skill that is in demand and something people are willing to pay for, which is often found in vocational studies,’’ Prof Kamba said.
David Mukisa, the Namutumba District Chairperson, said the country needs more artisans and skilled tradespeople than university graduates.
“Vocational training empowers young people to be self-reliant by creating their own job opportunities,” Mukisa noted.
However, he acknowledged that high tuition fees at the institute remain a barrier for many families.
“Many students who want to join Basoga Nsadhu are not making it because parents can’t afford to pay the high tuition fees charged by the institute,” he said.
Mukisa added that the proliferation of private institutes charging lower fees has worsened the situation for the government institute.
Officials from the Ministry of Education and Sports and other relevant authorities were yet to comment on the matter outside official working hours.
As Uganda prepares to roll out more skilling initiatives under its Vision 2040, educators and policymakers say "addressing affordability, societal attitudes, and early guidance is critical if vocational education is to fulfil its promise of reducing unemployment."
