Belgian Ambassador Hugues Chantry addressed policymakers during Tuesday's International Day of Education dialogue in Kampala. He emphasized that Uganda must expand human capital investments to address widespread youth joblessness. The ambassador stressed that practical skills training represents the foundation for sustainable economic development. His remarks highlighted the critical need for educational programs that match market requirements. Belgium continues supporting Ugandan technical education through its development agency Enabel.
Uganda faces a significant workforce challenge as more than 400,000 young people enter the employment market annually. Most graduates struggle to secure meaningful positions despite labor shortages across construction, agriculture, tourism, energy, and information technology sectors. President Yoweri Museveni recently signed the TVET Act 2025 to modernize vocational training programs. The legislation aims to bridge gaps between educational outcomes and employer expectations. This mismatch creates both obstacles and opportunities for economic growth.
Allen Kagina leads the newly established TVET Council and advocates for employer-driven training systems. She argues that industry participation in curriculum design will improve graduate readiness for real workplace environments. Kagina emphasizes that investors consistently request four elements when establishing operations. These requirements consist of affordable financing, skilled workers, a reliable energy supply, and favorable tax policies. Technical education serves as the primary mechanism for developing competitive workforces that attract investment and generate employment opportunities across diverse economic sectors.
Uganda faces a significant workforce challenge as more than 400,000 young people enter the employment market annually. Most graduates struggle to secure meaningful positions despite labor shortages across construction, agriculture, tourism, energy, and information technology sectors. President Yoweri Museveni recently signed the TVET Act 2025 to modernize vocational training programs. The legislation aims to bridge gaps between educational outcomes and employer expectations. This mismatch creates both obstacles and opportunities for economic growth.
Allen Kagina leads the newly established TVET Council and advocates for employer-driven training systems. She argues that industry participation in curriculum design will improve graduate readiness for real workplace environments. Kagina emphasizes that investors consistently request four elements when establishing operations. These requirements consist of affordable financing, skilled workers, a reliable energy supply, and favorable tax policies. Technical education serves as the primary mechanism for developing competitive workforces that attract investment and generate employment opportunities across diverse economic sectors.
