Kampala — THE Government has been urged to increase support towards private institutions.

Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi said: "Private institutions and vocational colleges are playing a big role in supplementing government programmes. But they need more support."

The message was contained in a speech read by Fred Masagazi, the minister for education in the Mengo government.

Masagazi, who was on Saturday presiding over the second graduation ceremony of Lady Valeria Vocation and Business College Matugga, urged the Central Government to supply private vocational colleges with equipment.

"A college like Lady Valeria is helping the Government reduce the number of job-seekers by producing job-creators. But they need equipment such as computers and laboratory chemicals. The Government should also consider granting loans to such colleges," he said.

A total of 120 students received diplomas and certificates in electrical installation, catering and hotel management, secretarial studies, nursery teaching, motor vehicle mechanics and fashion and design.

Masagazi, who is also the head of the languages department at Makerere University, said the Kabaka Foundation was influential in increasing literacy.

"We have been sponsoring students at Lady Valeria under the foundation," he said.

He handed over a donation of sh300,000 from the Kabaka.

The college director, Violah Naluwooza Ndaula, urged parents to send their children for vocational courses.

"Students who attend vocational colleges don't look for jobs but start their own," she said.