Ugandan MPs Demand Overhaul of Education System to Address Skills Gap

Ugandan Members of Parliament have voiced strong calls for an urgent overhaul of the country’s education system, emphasizing the critical need to bridge the growing skills gap. The legislators, attending the 55th Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Africa Region Conference in Lilongwe, Malawi, highlighted a persistent mismatch between academic qualifications and the practical competencies demanded by the labour market.

Discussions revealed concerns that the education system, partly rooted in a colonial-era model, is not adequately preparing youth for a self-sustaining economy. “Ugandan universities continue to churn out growing numbers of graduates even as local employers report persistent shortages of technical, digital, engineering and vocational skills,” noted Emely Kugonza, MP for Buyaga East. This deficit, he warned, represents a “lost demographic opportunity” with implications for national stability.

Several MPs stressed the importance of integrating practical skills training earlier in the curriculum, ideally starting at the primary level. Fortunate Rose Nantongo, MP for Kyotera Woman, advocated for enhanced funding for skilling centres to ensure they possess adequate equipment and instructors. Otim Benard, MP for Maruzi North, proposed equipping all educational institutions with the capacity to deliver practical skills, thereby enhancing employability for those leaving the formal system.

While acknowledging government efforts like the Lower Secondary Curriculum and expansion of TVET institutions, MPs like Silas Aogon of Kumi Municipality cautioned that policy changes alone are insufficient. “Parliament and Government ensured that the necessary resources were made available,” he urged, calling for robust oversight to guarantee effective implementation of TVET legislation and adequate funding.

The delegation, led by Speaker Jacob Markson Oboth Oboth, framed these reforms as crucial for transforming Uganda’s youthful population into an economic asset. Strengthening linkages between educational institutions, employers, and industry was identified as key to ensuring Uganda can capitalize on emerging sectors like oil and gas, mining, manufacturing, and technology, thereby ensuring broad-based participation in economic growth.

Source: Nile Post