Out of the 1,694 candidates who sat for the May-June 2024 UBTEB exams, 1,468 (87%) demonstrated full competence, successfully completing their courses and becoming eligible to enter the workforce. Additionally, these candidates qualify for further training, both horizontally and vertically, as outlined by the TVET policy of 2019.
Oyesigye emphasized the overall strong performance, noting that male students slightly outperformed their female counterparts. At the diploma level, the competence acquisition rate was 95% for males compared to 79% for females. However, at the certificate level, the performance gap between genders was minimal, with females passing at 84% and males at 85%.
Interestingly, female candidates outnumbered males in this examination series, with 880 female candidates (52%) compared to 814 male candidates (48%).
The results further revealed that 427 candidates sat for the Technical Diploma program, with 376 (88%) passing the exams. Among them, 38 candidates (9%) achieved a Class I (Distinction), 301 (70%) earned a Class II (Credit), and 37 (9%) received a pass grade.
For the Business Diploma program, 256 candidates took the exams, with 86 (34%) obtaining a Class I (Distinction), 140 (55%) earning a Class II (Credit), and 4 (1.6%) securing a pass grade.
Out of 902 candidates in the Business Certificate examinations, 303 (32%) achieved a distinction, 361 (40%) received a credit, and 102 (11%) obtained a pass grade.
Among the 93 candidates in the Diploma program for Physics and Biology Science, 21 (31%) earned a Class I, while 57 (61%) achieved a Class II. Additionally, 16 candidates obtained certificates in Physics and Biology Science, with no distinctions awarded, though 9 candidates (56%) received a credit.
Onesmus Oyesigye highlighted several challenges encountered during the examinations and results processing. He pointed out that on-the-spot practical assessments, essential for competency-based education and training, are costly for both the board and training institutions. He stressed the importance of hands-on training for skill acquisition in line with workforce demands, calling for increased financial support.
He also mentioned difficulties in assessing special needs candidates using a conventional curriculum not designed for them, particularly in journalism, media, and engineering programs. Oyesigye called for an increased budget to enhance the board’s capacity to implement modular and practical skills assessments, as guided by the TVET policy of 2019 and ongoing TVET reforms.
“Funding is needed to build the capacity of assessors so that assessments align with workforce needs and advanced technology,” Oyesigye added.
In her remarks, delivered by State Minister for Primary Education Joyce Kaducu, Janet Museveni, the Minister for Education and Sports, praised UBTEB and other stakeholders for their efforts to increase female participation in TVET programs through various initiatives.
“Thank you for heeding the government’s call for gender equity in TVET access. However, I believe we can do even better. The government will continue to open up avenues for equitable access to TVET for both females and males,” she said.
She noted that the ministry is reassessing the quality and suitability of facilities in established training institutions. While some institutions have responded positively, others have fallen short due to questionable standards. Mrs. Museveni issued a six-month deadline for TVET training institutions to comply with the Ministry’s registration and licensing requirements, warning that non-compliant institutions would have their assessment center numbers withdrawn by UBTEB.
“I direct the permanent secretary and the technical team inspecting TVET facilities to ensure all institutions adhere to the Ministry’s registration and licensing requirements within six months. Any training institution that fails to comply will have its assessment center number withdrawn by UBTEB,” she instructed.
Mrs. Museveni also commended the board for supporting 84 trainees with special needs by providing them with additional time during exams and other support mechanisms to help them reach their full potential. She pledged to address emerging issues in the training of special needs trainees to ensure their success in the education system.Top of FormBottom of Form