Kyambogo University’s campus buzzed with tangible energy yesterday, May 28, 2026, as the School of Vocational Studies (SOVS) hosted its highly anticipated 2nd Commemoration of the Day of Vocational Studies. Far from a traditional academic conference, the event transformed the university into a vibrant place of innovation, brimming with live exhibitions, cutting-edge skill displays, fashion show and a dialogue on the future of Ugandan education.
Held under the theme, “Deepening Competence-Based Education and Training in Uganda through Vocational Studies Professional Development,” the day marked a massive milestone in rewriting the narrative around technical education in East Africa.
Welcoming guests, the Dean of the School of Vocational Studies, Dr. Peter Milton Rukundo, reflected on the rapid evolution of the event. The commemoration was born out of critical guidance from Kyambogo University’s Top Management in 2024, who mandated the school to aggressively increase the publicity of its programs and latent potential.
Dr. Rukundo outlined the four core objectives driving the SOVS Day:
- Profile the diverse academic programs, groundbreaking research, and community activities undertaken within the school.
- Exhibit the practical skill sets and tangible products manufactured directly by students across various departments.
- Disseminate vital knowledge and information to push the boundaries of vocational pedagogy.
- Enhance strategic partnerships, local collaborations, and institutional publicity to champion vocational training across Uganda.
Taking the podium for the keynote address, Professor Charles Kwesiga, the Executive Director of the Uganda Industrial Research Institute (UIRI), delivered a powerful, wake-up call to the academic community. He urged institutions to abandon purely theoretical teaching models.
Professor Kwesiga advocated for a curriculum strictly aligned with Uganda’s real-time industrial demands. He emphasized that when students graduate, they must possess “plug-and-play” skills that employers can utilize from day one.
He challenged both students and faculty to leverage technological innovation to add value to local resources—specifically targeting food processing, textiles, and domestic manufacturing.
“We must change how we think,” Professor Kwesiga urged the crowd. “Vocational education is not a second-best alternative for those who missed traditional university tracks. It is the primary engine driving our community development and true economic independence.”
Representing the regulatory and national framework, Ms. Margaret Nabukenya, Deputy Executive Director of the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Council, highlighted the Ministry of Education and Sports’ transformative reforms.
“The government is intentionally harnessing competence-based learning to enhance human capital development and empower our population, particularly the youth,” Nabukenya stated. She lauded Kyambogo University as an unwavering pillar in advancing TVET from undergraduate to postgraduate levels. Addressing the students directly, she added: “Vocational education is more than just gaining technical skills; it’s about becoming a key player in the socio-economic development of our nation. TVET is a powerful engine for national transformation.”
Speaking on behalf of the University administration, the Vice Chancellor represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Assoc. Prof. Justus Kwetegyeka re-anchored Kyambogo’s legacy as Uganda’s pioneer in vocational training.
Assoc. Prof. Kwetegyeka tied the day’s theme directly to the global stage, noting that vocational studies are a critical driver for attaining the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Age nda 2030, specifically SDG 4 (Quality Education).
“Commemorating this day gives us the perfect stage to market our highly relevant, skills-based programs,” Kwetegyeka noted. He closed the event with a major announcement: “As university management, we pledge our total support to mobilizing partnerships and resources to develop and expand this school into a regional Centre of Excellence in vocational studies.”
Following the speeches, guests toured the bustling exhibition stalls where students demonstrated innovations, fashion show. With the success of this second annual commemoration, Kyambogo University has signaled to the country that the future of Uganda’s economy isn’t just being written in ink it is being built by hand.
