Government Launches Apprenticeship Program to Boost Youth Employment
The government of Uganda has initiated a new apprenticeship program aimed at enhancing the employability of young people through free skills training. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to drive economic transformation by equipping the youth with practical and relevant vocational skills.
According to Doreen Katusiime, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, the program aims to provide free training to at least 150 young men and women annually, totaling 750 trainees over five years. The program focuses on the tourism and hospitality sector, which plays a vital role in the country's economy and contributes significantly to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
The apprenticeship program was officially launched at the Uganda Hotel and Tourism Training Institute (UHTTI) in Jinja, where Katusiime emphasized the importance of hands-on training in improving the job prospects of the youth. She highlighted that the initiative is designed to transform the labor market by shifting from unskilled to skilled employment.
Structure and Implementation of the Program
The current cohort consists of 150 participants selected from various regions across Uganda. These trainees are being trained in different areas such as tour guiding, reception, baking and pastry, cooking, and waitering. The program is structured to be 70% practical, ensuring that participants gain real-world experience alongside theoretical knowledge.
Emmanuel Kaweesi, the Dean of Academics at UHTTI, explained that the training commenced on July 1, 2025, and will last for ten months. Before graduation, all learners must pass an assessment conducted by the Uganda Vocational and Technical Assessment Board (UVTAB), which is responsible for certifying competencies acquired through Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programs.
Kaweesi noted that the program is regulated by the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development and is designed to provide young people with the necessary skills to succeed in the hospitality industry. He also outlined the roles of the different institutions involved: UHTTI is responsible for training and supervision, the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities funds the program, and the Ministry of Gender oversees its regulation.
Success and Future Prospects
This year, the ministry received over 1,000 applications, with more than 300 meeting the minimum requirements. However, only 150 were selected for the program. Katusiime encouraged the participants to take the training seriously, emphasizing that the skills they acquire will remain valuable throughout their careers.
She also mentioned that 84 apprentices from the first cohort completed their training last year and are set to graduate this November. The success of the program has been encouraging, with many participants expected to secure jobs both within and outside Uganda.
Richard Kawere, the principal of UHTTI, praised the government’s efforts in strengthening skills training and transforming the institute into a center of excellence for hospitality education. He highlighted several achievements, including the construction of a multi-billion hotel and training complex, which is expected to be completed by September this year, and ongoing staff development initiatives.
Kawere also pointed out that the institute has made significant progress in upgrading its systems, moving from manual to automated processes. He noted that there are no longer complaints about inadequate facilities, as the institution has invested heavily in infrastructure and human resource development.
Conclusion
The apprenticeship program represents a significant step forward in addressing youth unemployment and fostering economic growth in Uganda. By focusing on vocational training and practical skills, the government is laying the foundation for a more skilled and competitive workforce. As the program continues to expand, it is expected to create lasting opportunities for young Ugandans and contribute to the country’s long-term development goals.