By Joseph Mary Buwule
KAMPALA, June 24, 2026 – A total of 56 youth with disabilities on Tuesday sat for the Uganda Vocational Technical Assessment Board (UVTAB) examinations at Kireka Rehabilitation Centre, marking an important milestone in their journey towards acquiring certified vocational skills and improving their employment prospects.
The candidates comprise 20 males and 36 females who are being assessed in various vocational disciplines, including Carpentry, Hairdressing, and Welding and Metal Fabrication.
The examinations are designed to evaluate the practical competencies and technical skills acquired by trainees during their period of study, enabling successful candidates to receive nationally recognized vocational qualifications.
Officials at the centre noted that the assessments are part of ongoing government efforts to promote skills development and economic empowerment among persons with disabilities, equipping them with employable skills and opportunities for self-reliance.
The UVTAB examinations are simultaneously being conducted across all five Government Rehabilitation Centres in the country. These include Kireka Rehabilitation Centre, Lweza Rehabilitation Centre, Ruti Rehabilitation Centre, Mpumudde Rehabilitation Centre, and Ocoko Rehabilitation Centre.
Meanwhile, at Lweza Rehabilitation Centre, 28 youth with disabilities—comprising 14 males and 14 females—are also sitting for the UVTAB examinations. The candidates are undertaking assessments in vocational courses such as Tailoring and Leather Works.
The examinations underscore the government’s commitment to disability inclusion through vocational education and skills training, ensuring that young persons with disabilities have access to quality training and certification that can enable them to participate fully in the country’s socio-economic development.
Stakeholders have emphasized that vocational skills training remains a critical pathway for empowering persons with disabilities, enhancing their livelihoods, and reducing barriers to employment.
The ongoing examinations are expected to pave the way for more graduates from rehabilitation centres to secure jobs, start businesses, and contribute meaningfully to their communities.