Technical and vocational education has long been stigmatized as a path for academic failures, but educators say this perception is misleading.
Muhumuza Junior, an electrical instructor at Kiryandongo Technical Institute is one of those challenging the stereotype, insisting that technical and vocational education and training (TVET) is a gateway to success rather than a last resort.
Muhumuza joined technical institute after completing senior four with a first grade, a result that disproved the claim that TVET is only for those who fail in academics.
He steadily advanced, and eventually became an instructor at one of Uganda’s best technical institutions.
“We have always faced this challenge whereby; people say that students who join TVET are failures; It is not true. I joined technical education after senior four, and I had a first grade. I was not a failure,” he said.
“I have managed to attend all levels; craft part two in electrical; I did advanced, I went to Kyambogo university and did technical education; I am an instructor. From there I did my diploma in electrical engineering, and now I am pursuing my degree. It has not stopped me from attaining a degree,” he added.
Muhumuza’s academic and professional journey demonstrates that students who take the TVET path are not limited in how far they can go.
“This means that it is very possible for someone who joins technical education to also reach that apex where the other person would think that you would not reach.”
A 2024 study conducted by Uganda Business and Technical Examinations Board (UBTEB) revealed that 90% of the Technical Vocational and Education Training graduates are more skilled than university graduates.
The report indicated that 63% of TVET graduates get employed within one year after graduation.
Muhumuza appealed to young people to consider TVET as a viable option for personal and professional development. He noted that acquiring employable skills equips individuals to build their own livelihoods rather than depending on parents, guardians, or friends
To the people who want to join technical education, I call upon you; this is the time when we need to teach people to acquire employable skills so that they are able to build themselves rather than waiting for support from parents, guardians and friends. They will look at you as someone who is disturbing their lives. Join technical education, develop yourself, earn yourself a living and be a better person,” he said.
Experts on skills development and employment say that championing TVET is key to reducing youth unemployment and driving economic growth.
