The Committee on Education and Sports in Uganda has urged the Uganda Business and Technical Examinations Board (UBTEB) to introduce vocational training within prisons, emphasizing the need for educational opportunities for incarcerated individuals. Concerns were also raised about extending similar services to refugee settlements, highlighting a nationwide push for equitable vocational education access. UBTEB seeks Shs25 billion for curriculum development to enhance vocational training programs in the coming financial year.
The Committee on Education and Sports in Uganda has called on the Uganda Business and Technical Examinations Board (UBTEB) to implement technical and vocational training programs within the prison system. This initiative hopes to enhance rehabilitation efforts for incarcerated individuals. During a recent committee meeting, concerns were raised regarding the lack of similar vocational education initiatives being extended to refugee settlements, emphasizing that prisoners could also benefit from these programs.
Member of Parliament, Hon. Nathan Itungo, highlighted that organizations such as Makerere University Business School (MUBS) have successfully conducted examinations in prisons, suggesting that vocational packages available to refugees should similarly be offered to inmates. The committee, chaired by Hon. James Kubeketerya, reviewed the Budget Framework Paper from UBTEB for the financial year 2025-2026 and advocated for an expansion of vocational services to meet crucial educational needs across various regions.
Hon. Geoffrey Macho from Busia Municipality stressed the importance of providing business education to thriving districts, asserting that such training will bolster local traders’ capabilities. In response, UBTEB’s Executive Director, Onesmus Oyesigye, acknowledged the pressing need for financial support amounting to Shs25 billion for curriculum development in 24 vocational programs and an additional Shs6 billion to facilitate 12 assessment programs for technical candidates.
The committee’s discussions reflect an urgent push for the expansion of vocational training services, asserting that all Ugandans, irrespective of their circumstances, deserve access to quality educational opportunities to foster economic growth and rehabilitation.
The push for increased vocational training in Ugandan prisons stems from a recognition of the need for rehabilitation and skill development among incarcerated individuals. The Uganda Business and Technical Examinations Board (UBTEB) is responsible for overseeing examinations in vocational and technical fields. By extending these educational opportunities to prisons, lawmakers aim to not only support the rehabilitation of prisoners but also to enhance their employability upon release. Moreover, the context highlights existing disparity in educational resources, particularly for refugees and marginalized communities, pointing to a broader need for comprehensive educational reforms in Uganda.
In summary, the Committee on Education and Sports has advocated for the expansion of vocational training programs to prisons in Uganda, recognizing their vital role in prisoner rehabilitation and overall societal reintegration. The discussion highlights the importance of equitable access to educational resources across the nation, particularly for disadvantaged groups. Financial commitments from the government are deemed essential for the successful implementation of these initiatives.
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