As the May/June 2025 Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) assessments commence today, the Uganda Vocational and Technical Assessment Board (UVTAB) has issued a stern warning against examination malpractice. This comes as a total of 53,770 candidates begin their assessments at 478 centres across the country.
According to Mr. Onesmus Oyesigye, UVTAB’s Executive Secretary, the Board will oversee both formal and informal assessments covering a variety of programmes. The formal assessment includes:
- National certificate programmes
- Diploma programmes
- Higher diploma programmes
The informal assessment will include:
- Modular programmes
- Workers’ pass
- Occupational levels I and II
Notably, 13,000 candidates will participate in the informal assessment, which is being conducted for the first time, starting May 7, 2025.
Mr. Oyesigye instructed heads of assessment centres to work closely with UVTAB field staff to ensure smooth operations. He emphasized that any malpractice will attract severe consequences as outlined in Sections 101–108 of the TVET Act No. 3 of 2025. Penalties include discontinuation from the programme and imprisonment.
“Those who will engage in malpractices risk being discontinued from the program or face imprisonment,”
— Mr. Onesmus Oyesigye
Assessment centre heads have been urged to display notices listing examination offences and penalties to raise awareness among candidates.
Mr. Oyesigye also stressed the negative impact of malpractice on society:
“Candidates who engage in malpractice pose a danger to society because they will not be able to deliver services to the expected standards. How can a person who was engaged in malpractice construct a better house?”
This comes amid concerns about previous building collapses in Uganda, allegedly caused by unqualified professionals.
Inclusive Technical and Vocational Education
Mr. Wilfred Nahamya Karukuza, UVTAB’s Executive Secretary in charge of Assessment Management, revealed that 111 out of the 53,770 candidates have special needs. He highlighted a steady increase in the number of such candidates due to improved availability of support personnel and equipment.
“Whereas the number might look small, it has been increasing. Some years back, the number was very small because we lacked support personnel and equipment. We now have support personnel who can help students with mental challenges, hearing impairments, physical disability, among others,”
— Mr. Wilfred Nahamya Karukuza
He also noted that upcoming curriculum reviews would include provisions for learners with special needs.
Strengthening Oversight
To ensure smooth and compliant assessment procedures, UVTAB conducted briefings for 174 Area Coordinators across the country. This initiative is in line with the TVET Act No. 3 of 2025 and associated assessment guidelines.
About UVTAB
UVTAB, formerly the Uganda Business and Technical Examinations Board (UBTEB), is the newly established national TVET assessment body. It was formed by the TVET Act No. 3 of 2025, merging UBTEB and the Directorate of Industrial Training (DIT).
UVTAB was officially operationalized on March 15, 2025, through the TVET Act (Commencement) Instrument 2025 No. 25. Its mandate, defined under Section 77(5) of the Act, is to conduct assessments and certification for competencies gained through both formal and informal TVET education.
