JINJA — The government has urged young Ugandans to embrace hospitality skills training as a direct route into both national and international employment, as the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities pledged renewed support for technical and vocational education.
The call was made by the Minister of State for Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Susan Nakawuki, while presiding over the official opening of the 2nd Hospitality Skills Challenge 2026 at the Hotel and Tourism Training College (HTTC) in Jinja, on Wednesday.
“This challenge is much more than a competition. It is a platform where knowledge meets creativity, where classrooms connect with industry, and where young people demonstrate that the future of Uganda’s tourism sector is in capable hands,” Nakawuki said, describing the participation of institutions nationwide as evidence of a shared commitment to raising the standards of hospitality training and preparing graduates for opportunities both at home and abroad.
She said Government remains committed to strengthening the pipeline between classroom training and industry demand, noting that graduates equipped with practical skills stand to benefit from a tourism sector which is one of Uganda’s fastest-growing economic drivers. “Tourism remains one of Uganda’s fastest-growing economic sectors. It creates employment, generates foreign exchange, stimulates entrepreneurship, and supports countless livelihoods,” she said.
The minister noted that the sector’s competitiveness rests not on Uganda’s natural endowments alone, but on the people who deliver service to visitors. “The true strength of tourism does not lie only in our wildlife, landscapes, or the source of the Nile. It lies in the quality of service delivered by our people,” she said, adding that a well-trained hospitality workforce could transform ordinary encounters into memorable experiences. “A skilled hotel receptionist, an innovative chef, a creative pastry artist, a professional waiter, or an exceptional barista can transform an ordinary visit into an unforgettable experience. That is why investment in practical skills is not optional — it is essential.”
The minister commended HTTC – Uganda’s premier government institution dedicated to hospitality and tourism training, for organising the challenge that among others aims to bridge the gap between education and employment.
Competitors in this year’s edition are being tested across five disciplines — Cookery, Pastry and Bakery, Rooms Division, Mixology and Barista, and Restaurant Service. Addressing them directly, Nakawuki framed the competition as a test of character as much as technical skill. “These are not merely technical disciplines; they are professions that demand discipline, teamwork, precision, creativity, and passion,” she said, urging participants to measure success beyond medals. “Excellence is not measured only by winning medals. It is reflected in your professionalism, your willingness to learn, your respect for fellow competitors, and your commitment to continuous improvement. Every dish you prepare, every room you set, every beverage you craft, and every guest you serve is an opportunity to showcase Uganda’s hospitality to the world.”
Nakawuki said Government will continue backing initiatives that strengthen technical and vocational education and expand youth employment opportunities in tourism.
“Our vision is clear: to position Uganda as a leading tourism destination supported by a highly skilled, innovative, and customer-centred workforce,” she said.
