The Uganda Vocational and Technical Assessment Board (UVTAB) has officially released the November/December 2025 assessment results, revealing a strong turnout and a notable increase in female participation across technical and vocational education programmes.

A total of 27,460 candidates registered for the end-of-course assessments, including 26,912 for National Certificates and 548 for National Diplomas. Out of these, 26,312 candidates (96%) successfully turned up, reflecting growing confidence in Uganda’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) system.

Strong Candidate Turnout Across the Country

According to UVTAB, the assessments were conducted across 543 accredited centres nationwide, highlighting the expanding reach of vocational education in Uganda.

Of those who attended:

15,595 were male
10,717 were female

Meanwhile, 1,148 candidates were absent, including 696 males and 452 females.

Business Courses Attract High Female Enrollment

The National Certificate in Business programme recorded 4,199 registered candidates, with a significant female majority:

Female: 3,330
Male: 868

Out of these, 3,704 candidates (88%) sat for the assessments, while 12% did not turn up.

Accounting and Finance Emerges as Most Popular Course

The National Certificate in Accounting and Finance stood out as the most popular programme, recording the highest number of candidates who registered and sat for assessments:

Female: 1,041
Male: 137

This trend highlights increasing interest in business-related vocational skills, particularly among female candidates.

Rising Female Participation in Technical Fields

UVTAB Board Chairperson Assoc. Prof. Dorothy Okello noted a significant shift in gender trends, with female candidates now dominating most registered courses.

Importantly, more women are enrolling in traditionally male-dominated fields such as Automotive Mechanics, and Electrical Installation Systems and Maintenance.

However, programmes like Fashion & Design and Cosmetology & Body Therapy remain largely female-dominated.

Female Representation Climbs to 41%

One of the highlights of the 2025 results is the increase in female participation in TVET.

"The key highlight from this year’s results is the growing participation of female candidates in TVET. Female representation rose from 35.9% in 2024 to 41% in 2025", Associate Prof. Dorothy Okello said. 

"I am glad to note that both male and female trainees are progressively joining TVET institutions with the female candidature rising to the 41% in 2025." John Chrysestom Muyingo, State Minister for Higher Education said. 

This growth reflects ongoing efforts to promote gender inclusivity in Uganda’s education sector.

Call for Employer Support in Skills Development

The Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Education and Sports, Dr. Kedrace Turyagyenda, emphasized the importance of practical training.

She urged employers to support internship opportunities, stating that while UVTAB ensures quality assessment, skills development requires hands-on experience in real work environments.

Inclusivity in TVET System Praised

UVTAB Executive Secretary Onesmus Oyesigye (CPA) highlighted inclusivity as a major achievement, noting that candidates with special needs recorded a 93% acquisition rate, demonstrating resilience and equal opportunity within the system.

Growing Confidence in Uganda’s TVET Pathways

Officials say the high turnout and increasing enrollment numbers reflect growing public confidence in vocational training as a viable path to employment.

UVTAB reaffirmed its commitment to preparing young Ugandans with practical skills needed to drive the country toward a modern and prosperous future.