Some 2,500 students will graduate from the Young Men's Christian Association institute (YMCA) today, marking the 15th graduation ceremony since its establishment in 1986.

The ceremony, to be held at the institute's premises in Kampala, will see graduands receive certificates and diploma awards in cosmetology, fashion and design as well as catering and nursery teaching. The YMCA Branch Director, Herbert Mukasa, says this year will have the biggest graduates.

Previously, courses at the institution catered for ordinary and advanced levels but it now has programmes for school dropouts for lower levels like senior three.

"In future, the institution hopes to transform the courses into degree programmes to match government's emphasis on skills development," he said.

He added that the institution was also working to establish a new branch in Buyambo. However, he urged government to support the institute with equipment like computers and sewing machines.