Atleast 1,140 graduates were conferred with certificates and diplomas at Nakawa Vocational Training College (NVTC) on Friday during the institution’s 10th graduation ceremony.
They graduated from different disciplines including training institutional management, instructor technical teacher training, technical teacher education, electrical engineering, water engineering automobile engineering, and civil engineering.
The event, held under the theme “Transforming Lives through TVET Skills, Innovation and Industrial Partnerships,” emphasized the urgent need for innovation, entrepreneurship, and industry-responsive training in Uganda’s evolving job market.
Presiding over the ceremony, State Minister for Higher Education, Hon. John Chrysestom Muyingo, called on graduates to become changemakers in their communities through practical innovation and enterprise.
“Do not limit your aspirations to formal employment,” said Muyingo. “Use your knowledge and skills to create businesses, mentor others, and provide solutions to the challenges facing your communities.”
Muyingo hailed the newly enacted TVET Act 2025, which he said positions institutions like NVTC at the forefront of Uganda’s industrial and economic transformation.
“The Act promotes demand-driven training, workplace-based learning, and competency-based assessment. It empowers institutions to align training with labor market needs and contribute more effectively to national development goals,” he said.
Muyingo assured the graduates that job opportunities do exist, but urged them to position themselves strategically by maintaining a positive mindset and embracing innovation.
He also cautioned them against irresponsible involvement in politics, advising them to support leaders who are committed to safeguarding their future.
“Politics shouldn’t decide us, let’s look at each other as brothers. When politicians come to you, don’t abuse them, listen to and make your own decisions but above all vote able leaders who have the vision,” he added.
Ezra Muhumuza, Executive Director of the Uganda Manufacturers Association, echoed the call for innovation and professionalism among graduates.
He challenged them to convert their technical skills into wealth by cultivating a strong work ethic and adapting to real-world needs.
“The skill does not make you an expert. What makes you an expert is your ability to keep improving on that skill,” Muhumuza said. “Between skill and wealth lies professional character. That’s what will turn your knowledge into value.”
He also urged parents to consider vocational training for their children, emphasizing that it is a misconception to believe that real education only happens at universities.
“Deconstruct the mindset that only those going to universities succeed. It’s not true,” he noted.
NVTC Principal Robert Bagumisiriza congratulated the graduates and reaffirmed the college’s commitment to innovation and industry alignment.
“We have strengthened industry linkages, updated our curriculum to meet occupational standards, and expanded our capacity with new programs and infrastructure,” he noted.
Bagumisiriza highlighted partnerships with GIZ-WatSSUP, URREP, SENDEA Academy, and JRS, as well as renewed international accreditation with the UK’s Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB) for oil and gas sector training.
The college recognized two special groups: the final cohort from its instructor and management training programs, and 90 water technicians from Northern Uganda trained under the GIZ-WatSSUP project.
“This graduation is not the end, but a new beginning. Embrace lifelong learning and be agents of transformation in your communities and industries,” he emphasized graduates.
He added that NVTC is preparing to roll out new diploma programs and digital services, while finalizing its Master Development Plan and integrating operations with the Management Training and Advisory Centre (MTAC) under the new TVET mandate.
At the same event, the outgoing Governing Council, led by Chairperson Eng. Loy Florence Kyozaire, was recognized for their unwavering support and dedicated service to the college.
