KAMPALA, Uganda (BG) — Ugandan Members of Parliament have called on the Uganda Business and Technical Examinations Board (UBTEB) to extend its vocational training programs to prisons, emphasizing the role of education in rehabilitating inmates and enhancing their reintegration into society.

According to a statement from the Parliament of the Republic of Uganda on Wednesday, legislators raised these concerns during a meeting of the Committee on Education and Sports on Jan. 7, 2025.

The committee, chaired by Hon. James Kubeketerya, discussed the Budget Framework Paper from UBTEB for the 2025-2026 financial year.

Vocational Training for Rehabilitation

Hon. Nathan Itungo (Indep., Kashari South County) suggested that UBTEB could replicate its vocational and skilling programs offered in refugee settlements to benefit inmates.

He highlighted the example of Makerere University Business School (MUBS), which conducts examinations in prisons.

“There are educational centers in refugee settlements in different parts of the country; UBTEB should consider extending their programmes to other areas in need,” Kubeketerya said, commending the board’s efforts but urging broader outreach.

The call for expanded training comes as Uganda seeks to bolster rehabilitation efforts and address unemployment challenges.

Vocational education is seen as a critical tool for equipping individuals with practical skills to contribute meaningfully to the economy.

Funding Challenges and Expansion Goals

UBTEB Executive Director Onesmus Oyesigye informed the committee that the board’s financial commitments for the next fiscal year include underfunded priorities.

Oyesigye appealed to lawmakers to push the government for an additional 25 billion Ugandan shillings (approximately $6.7 million) to review the curriculum for 24 technical and vocational training programs.

An additional 6 billion shillings (around $1.6 million) is required to support 12 assessment programs for technical and vocational candidates.

Despite these funding challenges, MPs highlighted the transformative potential of expanding UBTEB’s reach.

Hon. Geoffrey Macho (Busia Municipality) noted that business-oriented districts like Busia would benefit significantly from enhanced vocational training, particularly in boosting traders’ business knowledge.

Vocational Education in Uganda

Vocational training is crucial in Uganda’s education system, particularly in addressing youth unemployment and equipping individuals with marketable skills.

Currently, UBTEB offers vocational programs in refugee settlements, which aim to provide practical skills to displaced people and foster economic self-reliance.

Lawmakers emphasized that extending similar opportunities to prisoners could help them rehabilitate and reduce recidivism by providing them with employable skills.

The call for expanded vocational training aligns with the East African country’s broader strategy of enhancing education access and improving livelihoods across different sectors of society.

By addressing funding gaps and broadening its programs, UBTEB could play a pivotal role in driving socio-economic development in Uganda.