WorldSkills champion Hussama Mugerwa has called on young people across Uganda to embrace Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET), saying hands-on training has the power to unlock life-changing opportunities.
Mugerwa’s TVET career began in 2019 when he joined Uganda Hotel and Tourism Training Institute (UHTTI) in Jinja to pursue a Diploma in Hotel Management. At the time, he says he did not imagine that vocational training would open doors to global exposure and prestigious opportunities.
In 2022, competed at the WorldSkills Africa competitions in Namibia, where he won a bronze medal. His outstanding performance earned him a place at the WorldSkills International competitions in Switzerland, where he emerged as the best performer among all African contestants. He now works at Kampala Serena Hotel, one of Uganda’s leading hospitality establishments.
Reflecting on his journey, Mugerwa emphasized the transformative power of vocational training.
“I encourage young people to join TVET because it’s a hands-on program that produces skilled workforce. A skill can transform your life. If you have skill, even if you are not financially stable to continue with formal education, you can create your own employment,” he said.
He noted that TVET equips individuals with practical abilities that make them employable across various sectors.
“A TVET graduate can clearly define who they are professionally. Even individuals who did not progress far in formal education can take up a TVET career and confidently identify themselves as plumbers, mechanics, electricians or welders, which boosts their chances of getting employed,” he explained.
According to Mugerwa, vocational training continues to prove its relevance in addressing unemployment and building a competent workforce for the country’s development.
“Because TVET is hands on, it produces very skilled work force who easily secure employment or create their own jobs,” he said.
He added that skills competitions, such as those organised under the WorldSkills movement, further demonstrate the transformative potential of vocational careers.
“TVET has the power to make a difference. TVET and its components such as skills competitions change lives.”
Mugerwa urged young people to embrace the growing opportunities within the skills ecosystem.
“I encourage young people to join TVET and be part of the skilled community that produces skilled workforce and fights against unemployment. If you join TVET, you become much bigger than you think of yourself.”
