Uganda’s Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities (MTWA) has launched the second cohort of its National Apprenticeship Programme in 2025, a critical move to close the tourism skills gap, raise service standards, and create job opportunities for young Ugandans in the booming hospitality industry.
Key Insights
Scale and Scope: 150 annual apprentices specializing as tour guides, chefs, bakers, waiters, and receptionists receive ten months of hands-on training at the Uganda Hotel and Tourism Training Institute (UHTTI) in Jinja.
Quality Focus: The curriculum is 70% practical, culminating in the UVTAB Level II Certificate, regulated under the Uganda National Apprenticeship Framework for industry relevance.
Inclusive Access: Special encouragement for women and persons with disabilities, with priority for applicants nationwide, including newly graduated but unemployed youth.
Strategic Impact: The program aims to strengthen Uganda’s ability to provide world-class service, aligning with the government’s vision of exporting “skilled, not unskilled-labour.”
Stakeholder Quotes
Doreen Katusiime, MTWA Permanent Secretary, noted, “Tourism is about experience; without skilled people, we cannot transform Uganda into a premier global destination.” Industry leaders praised the program as a solution for bridging the education-to-employment gap, with UHTTI recognized as a center for excellence in regional hospitality skills.
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