UVTAB registers record 137,546 candidates for year-end TVET assessments

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A record 137,546 candidates are sitting for the Uganda Vocational and Technical Examinations Board (UVTAB) national assessments this November and December, marking the strongest surge yet in the country’s Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) enrolment.

The nationwide assessment series began on November 21, 2025, with briefing sessions and will run until December 18, 2025, across 743 centres.

UVTAB executive secretary Onesmus Oyesigye, speaking at the Board’s headquarters on November 22 2025, said the sharp rise reflects growing confidence in the TVET pathway. Of the registered candidates, 80,654 are male and 56,892 are female.

“We are pleased to report a record number of candidates enrolled on various TVET programmes this year,” Oyesigye said.

As part of efforts to ensure inclusive education, the Board has registered 338 candidates with special needs, including those with visual and hearing impairments, chronic illnesses, intellectual disabilities and physical challenges.

More than 150 specialised support staff, among them sign language interpreters, transcribers and guides, will assist them.

Oyesigye said the Board is taking extensive measures to safeguard the integrity of the assessments. He noted that 920 scouts will be deployed to enforce the TVET Act No. 3 of 2025, which prescribes strict penalties for assessment malpractice.

In addition, more than 2,500 practical assessors for formal TVET and over 1,000 assessors for informal TVET will conduct on-the-spot evaluations to uphold standards.

He added that delivery of assessment materials to designated storage facilities across the country began on Saturday, supported by the Uganda Police Force. The Board has also registered 22,212 candidates for modular and full-occupation assessments at Levels I and II, including the Worker’s Pass.

Oyesigye urged heads of centres to establish Assessment Task Forces and work closely with UVTAB field staff to ensure a smooth process. He warned candidates and the public against any form of malpractice, emphasising that such offences attract severe consequences.