Article 2019

Technical and vocational education and training in Uganda: A critical analysis

Development Policy Review
Journal · Vol. 37 · Issue 6 · pp. 735-749
Abstract

This article undertakes a diagnostic study of the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sub-sector in Uganda, with a view to characterizing the sub-sector and identifying its potential strengths and weakness. We undertook a cross-sectional pre-survey of purposively selected key stakeholders in the TVET sub-sector. We selected performance indicators following their importance in influencing the TVET reform process. Both qualitative and quantitative data was solicited from the stakeholders. Quantitative data was collected through stakeholder-specific structured questionnaires, whilst qualitative data was collected through desk review and field visits, individual focused interviews and focus group discussions. Our findings indicate that financing and planning constraints have resulted in poor quality equipment, under- and ill-trained staff, limited adoption of a competence-based education and training (CBET) curriculum, not to mention the supervision inadequacies of TVET institutions. Besides, the limited TVET sub-sector interaction with the private sector has incapacitated TVET curriculum development to nurture skills demanded by the private sector. Furthermore, backward technology use in the private sector has equally inhibited the success of student attachment programmes. Finally, legal ambiguities have perpetuated a qualification jungle and overlapping curricula. © The Authors 2018. Development Policy Review © 2018 Overseas Development Institute

Keywords

Author Keywords

Vocational training skills development Uganda Labour market

Index Keywords

Vocational education curriculum skilled labor labor market Uganda labor supply Critical analysis
Author Affiliations
School of Economics, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
Funding & Acknowledgements
International Development Research Centre, IDRC
Grant: 108174-001
Funding text 1: This is the first output of the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) Regional Project No: 108174‐001. The authors are indebted to IDRC for the financial support.; Funding text 2: This is the first output of the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) Regional Project No: 108174-001. The authors are indebted to IDRC for the financial support.
International Development Research Centre, IDRC
Funding text 1: This is the first output of the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) Regional Project No: 108174‐001. The authors are indebted to IDRC for the financial support.; Funding text 2: This is the first output of the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) Regional Project No: 108174-001. The authors are indebted to IDRC for the financial support.
References 10 References
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