UVTAB Assessment Results Show Strong Pass Rates but Reveal Critical Skills Gaps
Uganda's technical education sector has recorded strong performance in national assessments, but new findings highlight serious gaps in critical practical and analytical skills.
Speaking at the release of results, UVTAB executive secretary, Onesmas Oyesiga revealed that 92% of candidates achieved full competencies in their respective programmes.
Out of those assessed:
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33% (1,202 candidates) attained Distinction (Class I)
53% (1,947 candidates) earned Credits
7% (249 candidates) obtained Pass grades
8% (301 candidates) failed to achieve full competency
The assessments covered a wide range of training pathways:
16,412 candidates from Skills Development Centres (Community Polytechnic Certificates)
55,593 candidates from Informal Skills Centres (Modular and Full Occupation Certificates)
60,607 candidates for National Certificates from Vocational Training Institutes
26,328 candidates from Diploma-awarding colleges
Exceptional performance was recorded in several programmes:
Records and Information Management -- 59% distinction rate
Journalism & Media Studies -- 32%
Social Work and Social Administration -- 82%
Despite the strong overall results, assessors identified several persistent weaknesses:
1. Engineering Drawing and CAD
Students continue to struggle with practical and visual application, largely due to limited access to computers and design software.
2. Computer Programming
Performance in programming--particularly Java--remains below expectations, pointing to insufficient exposure to real coding environments.
3. Mathematics
Mathematics-related modules are among the least performed, reflecting ongoing challenges in conceptual understanding.
4. Business and Accounting Subjects
Courses such as bookkeeping, auditing, and taxation--especially for non-accounting students--continue to affect overall performance.
5. Scenario-Based Questions
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Assessors noted that many candidates struggle with analytical and applied reasoning, particularly in scenario-based questions across business disciplines.
Attendance and Assessment Scope
The examinations were conducted over four weeks (Nov 21 - Dec 19, 2025) in 543 accredited centres nationwide, with candidates drawn from both public and private TVET institutions.
Out of 27,460 registered candidates, 26,312 sat the exams, reflecting a 96% turnout rate.
Education experts say the findings point to a need for increased investment in ICT infrastructure, improved access to training equipment and software, strengthened teaching in mathematics and analytical skills
While the sector continues to expand access and improve pass rates, stakeholders warn that addressing these foundational gaps will be critical to producing graduates who are fully equipped for the modern workforce.
