To be recognised as a somebody, Ugandan society has a skewed view that one must have a university degree. But as the country pushes towards industrialisation, the reality is becoming clear that technical skills rather than university degrees will ultimately push that ideal. With tens of thousands of youth unable to pursue the dream of attaining a university education, it is thought that the country is losing a critical workforce that would have helped push artisanship and innovation, even without degrees.
Though politicians have talked about skills empowerment for some time now, little has been done in real terms. But a glimmer of hope exists when one visits Bushenyi Technical College, where the idea of imparting skills for the non-formal sector is being pursued.
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