Ugandan MPs Advocate for Vocational Training Expansion in Prisons
Members of Uganda’s Parliament have urged UBTEB to extend vocational training programs to prisons, paralleling services offered to refugees. During a committee meeting on January 7, 2025, legislators expressed the need for vocational training in correctional facilities to aid rehabilitation and support reintegration. UBTEB seeks funding to expand its curriculum and assessment programs, highlighting significant educational gaps in the current system.
The Committee on Education and Sports of the Ugandan Parliament has urged the Uganda Business and Technical Examinations Board (UBTEB) to broaden its vocational training initiatives to encompass prisons across the nation. During a committee meeting held on January 7, 2025, legislators voiced their concerns regarding the absence of vocational training opportunities for prisoners, paralleling the training provided to refugees. Honorable Nathan Itungo emphasized the potential benefits of extending vocational packages to incarcerated individuals, citing experiences where examinations were conducted in prisons.
Committee Chairperson Hon. James Kubeketerya lauded UBTEB’s performance and advocated for enhanced vocational services. He highlighted existing educational institutions in refugee settlements, suggesting that UBTEB likewise extend its programs to areas with similar needs. Hon. Geoffrey Macho, representing Busia Municipality, asserted that business-oriented regions like Busia would greatly benefit from additional vocational training, thereby enhancing the business acumen of local traders.
The Executive Director of UBTEB, Onesmus Oyesigye, conveyed the organization’s commitment to priorities for the forthcoming financial year, despite facing funding challenges. He requested the committee’s assistance in securing Shs25 billion to update 24 technical and vocational training curricula, and an additional Shs6 billion to facilitate 12 assessment programs for vocational candidates, underscoring the critical need for resources to elevate vocational training in Uganda.
Uganda faces significant challenges in its vocational education system, particularly concerning the provision of training within correctional facilities. The Committee on Education and Sports is advocating for the Uganda Business and Technical Examinations Board (UBTEB) to extend its services to prisons, recognizing the importance of rehabilitation through education. Despite existing initiatives catering to refugees, the inclusion of prisoners in vocational training programs remains limited, hampering their reintegration into society upon release. Addressing these gaps is essential for fostering a skilled workforce and reducing recidivism rates in the country.
The call for increased vocational training in Ugandan prisons reflects a growing recognition of the role education plays in rehabilitation. The Committee on Education and Sports is actively pursuing measures to ensure that vocational training is available to prisoners, similar to that offered to refugees. Enhanced funding and targeted programs from UBTEB are crucial for the successful implementation of these initiatives, thereby contributing to societal reintegration and skill development.
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