“The Government of Uganda recognizes that one of the major challenges facing the labour market is the mismatch between skills acquired through training and those demanded by employers,” Kibenge said.
Muhoozi Claims Kyagulanyi Has Been Pleading With Museveni to Avoid Arrest Upon Return From US
In a move aimed at strengthening skills development, enhancing youth employability, and building a workforce responsive to the needs of Uganda’s growing economy, the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development (MGLSD) has inaugurated Sectoral Apprenticeship Committees for Agriculture, Oil and Gas, Manufacturing, and Construction—identified as priority sectors under the National Apprenticeship Programme (NAP).
The committees were inaugurated on Thursday at the Golden Tulip Hotel in Kampala. They will be responsible for identifying sector-specific occupational standards and reporting to the National Apprenticeship Steering Committee (NASC) on the implementation and progress of apprenticeship training within their respective sectors.
Launched in 2018, the National Apprenticeship Programme is a flagship government initiative designed to address youth unemployment through quality apprenticeship training and structured graduate volunteering. The programme targets young people aged between 16 and 35 years, providing pathways to employment while improving labour productivity.
The programme forms a key component of the government’s strategy to tackle youth unemployment, strengthen skills development, and promote decent work. It also contributes to Uganda’s long-term vision of expanding the economy from USD 53 billion to USD 500 billion by 2040 by building a skilled workforce capable of supporting export-oriented industries.
Speaking during the inauguration ceremony, the Permanent Secretary of MGLSD, Aggrey David Kibenge, said the ministry derives its mandate to regulate apprenticeships from Regulation 36 of the Employment Regulations, 2011, which empowers it to establish and oversee apprenticeship schemes in line with national employment policies.
In remarks delivered on his behalf by Assistant Commissioner for Labour Productivity, Hillary Businge, Kibenge noted that the government approved the Uganda National Apprenticeship Framework (UNAF) in 2018 to provide a coherent structure for implementing and managing apprenticeships across sectors.
He explained that the framework clearly outlines the roles and responsibilities of key stakeholders, including government institutions, training institutions, employers, industry bodies, the NASC, and the Sectoral Apprenticeship Committees.
“The Government of Uganda recognizes that one of the major challenges facing the labour market is the mismatch between skills acquired through training and those demanded by employers,” Kibenge said.
“Many young people complete training without sufficient workplace experience, making the transition into employment difficult. On average, graduates take about 31 months to secure employment in their field of study.”
He said the National Apprenticeship Programme was established to bridge this gap by providing structured work-based learning opportunities that combine practical workplace experience with formal training.
“Through apprenticeships, young people acquire hands-on skills, industry exposure, and employability competencies that improve their prospects for decent work and productive employment,” he added.
Kibenge urged committee members to ensure apprenticeship training remains relevant, industry-driven, and aligned with occupational standards and labour market needs.
Patient Accuses Medical Facility of Unauthorized Testicle Removal During Hernia Surgery
“As committee members, you are expected to provide strategic guidance on sector priorities, support the identification of apprenticeship opportunities, advise on occupational standards and curricula, promote employer participation, and contribute to quality assurance mechanisms within the apprenticeship system,” he said.
Since its inception, the programme has recorded notable achievements. A total of 984 apprentices have successfully completed apprenticeship training in high-demand trades, particularly in the hospitality and tourism sector, including housekeeping, front office operations, food production, food and beverage service, and solar energy installation.
Of these, 784 apprentices—representing a placement rate of 79.6 percent—have transitioned directly into formal employment. In addition, 242 graduate volunteers have been placed in 47 public and private institutions, with approximately 75 percent securing formal employment during or immediately after completing their one-year placements.
The ministry expressed optimism that the newly inaugurated committees will strengthen collaboration between industry and training institutions, improve the relevance of apprenticeship programmes, and accelerate the development of a skilled workforce to support Uganda’s socio-economic transformation.
Lukwago Remanded to Luzira Prison on Misprision of Treason Charge
