Xavier Radio Ug News 24 7
Kampala, Friday, 9 January 2026 — The Minister of Education and Sports and First Lady, Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni, today commissioned the newly constructed Uganda Vocational and Technical Assessment Board (UVTAB) National Skills Assessment Centre at Kyambogo Hill, marking a major milestone in the implementation of Uganda’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) reforms.
The modern eight-storeyed facility, valued at UGX 25.6 billion, will serve as UVTAB’s headquarters and a national hub for skills assessment, quality assurance, and coordination of TVET assessment services.
The commissioning ceremony was attended by the Minister of State for Higher Education, Dr. John Chrysostom Muyingo, senior officials from the Ministry of Education and Sports, members of the TVET Council, development partners, contractors, and UVTAB board and staff.
Speaking at the event, Ms Museveni emphasised the need for stronger partnerships between government, industry players, and professional bodies to ensure that Uganda’s TVET system produces a skilled workforce that meets both local and international labour market standards.
“Industry input is critical in ensuring that our curricula and assessment systems remain relevant and aligned to global standards. This alignment is essential for producing employable artisans, technicians, technologists and professionals who can effectively contribute to Uganda’s industrialisation agenda,” Museveni said.
She noted that the commissioning of the UVTAB Assessment Centre reflects the mandate granted to the institution under the TVET Policy 2019 and the TVET Act, No. 3 of 2025, which consolidated curriculum development and assessment functions that were previously fragmented.
“Previously, the curriculum and assessment responsibilities of the TVET sector were scattered. Now that the TVET Policy and the TVET Act have brought these functions together, our hope as government is that we shall see greater efficiency and quality in TVET curricular and assessment work,” she added.
A purpose-built national facility
Constructed over a period of three years, the project commenced on 23 March 2022 and was completed on 21 February 2025, with full funding from the Government of Uganda. The facility brings together UVTAB staff who had been operating from rented premises at Valley Drive, Ntinda; Suuna Road, Ntinda; and along Jinja Road, into one purpose-built centre.
According to UVTAB, the consolidation will significantly enhance operational efficiency, service delivery, and coordination, while reducing administrative and rental costs. The UVTAB Printery will, however, be established separately at Namanve Industrial Park.
The UVTAB Executive Secretary, Mr. Onesmus Oyesigye (CPA), revealed that the institution will save at least UGX 189.8 million annually in rental costs following the relocation.
“This is a unique government project, completed on time, within cost, and to the required quality and standards. It is also a testimony that the fundamental change envisaged in 1986 by the NRM has taken root,” Oyesigye said.
Modern design and enhanced security
Rising prominently on Kyambogo Hill, the facility comprises an eight-storey main block and a three-storey Short Tower, with a total floor area of 6,499.6 square metres. It features a state-of-the-art auditorium, two fully equipped boardrooms, several mini meeting rooms, and two innovation and incubation hubs, providing ample space to accommodate UVTAB’s growing staff and evolving institutional needs.
The Assessment Centre is also equipped with modern office facilities designed to support current and future work methods, alongside advanced security systems to safeguard critical computers, data, and records, supported by round-the-clock security.
Driving skills development and employment
Ms Museveni reaffirmed government’s commitment to expanding TVET infrastructure nationwide to make skills training more accessible and affordable, especially for young people. She highlighted that over 82,000 youth have graduated from 19 presidential skilling hubs across the country.
The Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Education and Sports, Ms Kedress Turyagyenda, underscored the importance of integrity, credibility, and relevance in skills development.
“Our goal is to use skills development as a driver for productivity, job creation, and innovation. Integrity and quality assurance must remain central to everything we do,” she said.
UVTAB reported that since the commencement of assessments on 15 March 2025, the Board has successfully assessed 275,963 candidates, in line with the TVET Act 2025.
The project was constructed by M/s Seyani Brothers & Co. (U) Ltd, with consultancy and supervision services provided by Cornerstone Design and Engineering Ltd.
With the commissioning of the Kyambogo Assessment Centre, government officials expressed confidence that UVTAB is now better positioned to deliver faster, more reliable, and internationally competitive assessment services, strengthening Uganda’s drive towards a skilled, industry-ready workforce.
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