Members of Uganda’s Parliament have called for the expansion of vocational training services to prisons, urging UBTEB to include these programs as part of inmate rehabilitation efforts. During a recent committee meeting, officials raised concerns about the lack of such opportunities for prisoners compared to those offered in refugee settlements, advocating for increased funding and program expansion.
The Committee on Education and Sports in Uganda has urged the Uganda Business and Technical Examinations Board (UBTEB) to expand its vocational training initiatives into prisons. During a committee meeting on January 7, 2025, Members of Parliament expressed their concerns regarding the lack of vocational programs in refugee settlements and advocated for similar services for incarcerated individuals as part of their rehabilitation. Hon. Nathan Itungo highlighted the potential benefits such programs could provide to prisoners.
Committee Chair, Hon. James Kubeketerya, praised UBTEB’s previous performance and emphasized the necessity for broader vocational training availability across various regions, particularly prisons and refugee settlements. Hon. Geoffrey Macho noted that areas like Busia, which have a strong business orientation, could greatly benefit from improved vocational education, urging UBTEB to address the educational needs of traders and business operators.
Onesmus Oyesigye, the Executive Director of UBTEB, acknowledged the need for enhanced funding for vocational training programs in the upcoming financial year, stating that the organization requires Shs25 billion to revise curricula for 24 vocational programs and Shs6 billion for assessments for 12 training programs. He urged the Committee to advocate for these financial resources from the government to meet the rising demand for technical and vocational training.
In Uganda, vocational training within penal institutions has not been as prioritized as it could be, leading to inadequate rehabilitation opportunities for inmates. The call for enhanced vocational education is driven by the belief that such training can significantly contribute to lowering recidivism rates and facilitating smoother reintegration into society post-release. Additionally, many areas, especially refugee settlements and economically vibrant districts like Busia, lack access to essential vocational education, which hampers the professional growth of residents and prisoners alike. Providing more comprehensive vocational training could therefore address dual challenges of prisoner rehabilitation and skills development among vulnerable populations.
The Members of Parliament’s advocacy for increased vocational training in Ugandan prisons reflects a broader understanding of the role educational programs play in rehabilitation. By urging UBTEB to extend its services beyond refugee settlements to include incarcerated individuals, the Parliament aims to foster essential skills that could assist in reintegrating prisoners into society. Furthermore, the proposed funding is crucial for updating curricula and expanding training assessments, ensuring that vocational education remains responsive to the needs of all Ugandans.
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