By Infora Media | Wednesday, April 1, 2026
KAMPALA — Uganda’s technical and vocational education sector has recorded impressive performance in recent national assessments. However, the findings also reveal persistent gaps in critical practical and analytical skills among graduates.
Speaking at the release of the results, UVTAB Executive Secretary, Onesmas Oyesiga, noted that 92% of candidates achieved full competencies in their respective programmes, reflecting the sector’s steady progress.
Of the candidates assessed:
- 33% (1,202 candidates) attained Distinction (Class I)
- 53% (1,947 candidates) earned Credits
- 7% (249 candidates) obtained Pass grades
- 8% (301 candidates) failed to achieve full competency
The assessments covered a wide range of training pathways, including:
- 16,412 candidates from Skills Development Centres (Community Polytechnic Certificates)
- 55,593 candidates from Informal Skills Centres (Modular and Full Occupation Certificates)
- 60,607 candidates for National Certificates from Vocational Training Institutes
- 26,328 candidates from Diploma-awarding colleges
Outstanding Performance
Several programmes recorded exceptional achievement:
- Records and Information Management — 59% distinction rate
- Journalism & Media Studies — 32% distinction rate
- Social Work and Social Administration — 82% distinction rate
Identified Skills Gaps
Despite the strong overall results, assessors highlighted areas requiring urgent attention:
- Engineering Drawing and CAD – Students continue to struggle with practical and visual applications due to limited access to computers and design software.
- Computer Programming – Performance, particularly in Java, remains below expectations because of insufficient exposure to real coding environments.
- Mathematics – Persistent challenges in conceptual understanding affect overall competency.
- Business and Accounting – Modules such as bookkeeping, auditing, and taxation, particularly for non-accounting students, continue to hamper performance.
- Scenario-Based Questions – Many candidates struggled with analytical and applied reasoning, especially in business disciplines.
Assessment Coverage and Participation
The examinations were conducted over four weeks (November 21 – December 19, 2025) across 543 accredited centres nationwide, with candidates drawn from both public and private TVET institutions. Out of 27,460 registered candidates, 26,312 sat the exams, reflecting a 96% turnout rate.
Education experts say the results underscore the need for increased investment in ICT infrastructure, improved access to training equipment and software, and strengthened teaching in mathematics and analytical skills.
While the sector continues to expand access and improve pass rates, stakeholders warn that addressing these foundational gaps is essential to produce graduates fully equipped for Uganda’s modern workforce.