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Tourism

Uganda Embarks on Free Skills Training for Youth

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Uganda Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities has introduced a free skills training program for the youth to enhance their employability. The apprenticeship program aims to provide training to at least 150 young men and women each year, totalling 750 in a period of five years. This initiative is part of the government's strategy to transform the economy through skills training, focusing on the tourism and hospitality industry, a major contributor to the country's GDP. The training program is practical-based, with 70% hands-on experience, and includes training in areas such as tour guiding, reception, baking, cooking, and waiting.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Uganda Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities has launched a free skills training program for the youth, with the goal of training at least 150 young men and women each year, totalling 750 in five years.
  • The apprenticeship program focuses on the tourism and hospitality industry, a major contributor to the country's GDP.
  • The training program is 70% practical and includes training in areas such as tour guiding, reception, baking, cooking, and waiting.
  • The Uganda Hotel and Tourism Training Institute (UHTTI) is responsible for training and supervising the learners, while the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities funds the program, and the Ministry of Gender handles its regulation.
  • The program requires a mandatory assessment by the Uganda Vocational and Technical Assessment Board (UVTAB) before learners are certified.
  • 84 apprentices completed training in the first cohort last year and will graduate in November this year.
  • The ministry received over 1,000 applications for the program, with 300 meeting the minimum requirements, and 150 selected for the final list.
  • The training program emphasizes the importance of adding value to the youth and getting them jobs within and outside the country.

Statistics:

  • 750 youth to be trained in five years under the apprenticeship program.
  • 150 young men and women to be trained each year under the program.
  • 70% of the training program is practical-based.
  • 84 apprentices completed training in the first cohort last year and will graduate in November this year.
  • Over 1,000 applications were received for the program, with 300 meeting the minimum requirements.
  • 150 selected for the final list of the program.

Sources:

  • Kenya Tatali, "Uganda Implements Apprenticeship Program for Tourism Industry Development" (Nile Post, July 2025)
  • "Uganda Embarks on Free Skills Training for Youth" (allAfrica, July 2025)

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