Government plans to establish technical institute in every parish

24 July 2024, 5:14 pm

By Byamukama Alozious

State Minister for higher education John Chrysestom Muyingo has announced the government’s plan to establish a technical school in every parish, aiming to equip students with practical skills and combat unemployment.

Muyingo made the announcement during the 25th anniversary celebrations of the Buganda Royal Institute of Business and Technical Education.

Muyingo commended His Highness the Kabaka of Buganda, Ronald Mwenda Mutebi II, for his visionary decision to establish a technical institute in 1999, when vocational education was undervalued. He noted that the institute aligns with the government’s current emphasis on vocational studies, aiming to equip students with practical skills to combat unemployment.

The government’s plan to establish technical schools nationwide is a significant boost to vocational education, which has been recognised as a key driver of economic growth and development. Muyingo expressed the government’s commitment to supporting the Kabaka’s educational initiatives and encouraged the public to participate in government programmes like the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emwooga to eradicate poverty in their communities.

The Buganda Royal Institute has graduated over 120,000 students since its establishment, with many now working in various fields such as electronics, media, and hospitality. Principal Balikudembe Joseph attributed the institute’s success to strong partnerships with the government and external partners like Centenary Bank and the Kabaka Education Fund, which has sponsored over 1,000 students.

To mark the occasion, a new modern gate was unveiled, opened by the Nalinnya of Buganda, Sarah Kagere. The event was attended by dignitaries, including Buganda officials, institute alumni, and other guests.

The government’s plan to establish technical schools nationwide is expected to have a significant impact on vocational education, providing more opportunities for students to acquire practical skills and contribute to the country’s economic development.