Zombo, (UG): On Friday, Ora Technical Institute in Zombo district celebrated its inaugural graduation ceremony, marking a significant milestone since its establishment in 1982. The event saw 1063 graduates receive National Certificates in various disciplines, including Electrical Installation, Automotive Mechanics, Plumbing, Building Construction, and Fashion and Design.
The ceremony, held at the Institute’s main campus in Atyak Sub-county, was graced by the Executive Secretary of the Uganda Business and Technical Examinations Board (UBTEB), Mr. Onesmus Oyesigye. The event also attracted numerous principals from technical and vocational institutions across Uganda, as well as political, religious, and cultural leaders, alongside jubilant parents who witnessed this historic moment.
Mr. Booker Okoda, the Principal of Ora Technical Institute, explained in an interview that past administrative issues and community perceptions of technical and vocational education contributed to the delay in organizing graduations. He reassured graduates of the promising opportunities ahead, especially with the implementation of the TVET policy and the East African Qualifications Framework, which will enhance further training and job mobility.
“Graduands, I thank you for choosing TVET as a career. There are better opportunities ahead with the coming of the TVET policy and the establishment of a technological university. The East African Qualifications Framework will provide a wide market for further training and job mobility,” remarked Mr. Okoda.
Despite the impressive number of graduates, only about 150 attended the ceremony in person. The remaining 913 had their certificates conferred in absentia, and some posthumously. The institute’s administration acknowledged the low turnout, attributing it to a lack of awareness about the relevance of the graduation ceremony. However, they pledged to make such ceremonies an annual event moving forward.
According to the institute, all students from its inception in 1983 to 2023 were examined by UBTEB and are eligible for graduation. The graduation ceremony, held on April 26, 2024, included prominent guests such as the Commissioner of TVET, MPs, district officials, and representatives from the Alur Kingdom.
“We admit students who have completed ‘O’ level and Uganda Community Polytechnic Certificate courses (Junior level) in National Certificate,” Mr. Okoda explained.
Ora Technical Institute, a government-aided institution founded by the Roman Catholic Church, has skilled thousands of Ugandans in various courses. In addition to long-term programs, the institute offers short-term courses like road construction and maintenance, and topography and land surveying, funded by the Uganda Skills Development Project under the World Bank.
“Under this project, the World Bank has facilitated the institution with equipment, an ICT laboratory, a heavy truck, and a thirty-seater van to support training,” Mr. Okoda added.
Ms. Florida Maditmungu, a female graduate in Automotive Mechanics, shared her excitement about her newly acquired skills, including vehicle repair, metal fabrication, and painting. She expressed her confidence in breaking gender stereotypes within the technical field.
“What a man can do, a woman can also do. I can repair vehicles, fabricate metal for doors, windows, and chairs, and paint because I have been taught well,” said Ms. Maditmungu.
The institute has seen a positive shift in the enrollment of female students, thanks to government sponsorships for girls. This year, 20 girls have enrolled in the first-year programs, a significant improvement from the past three decades, which saw only 51 female graduates.
However, the majority of the trainees come from outside Zombo district, reflecting the local community’s poor attitude towards the institute. Ms. Grace Atim, the RDC of Zombo district, emphasized the need for local youth to seize the opportunities available at the institute.
“We have very few students from Zombo district joining the institute, despite many qualifying. It’s hard to understand what the youths want in life,” Ms. Atim remarked during her speech.
Hon. Songa Lawrence Biyika, the Member of Parliament for Ora constituency, called for the integration of innovation and skills training into the education system starting from primary and secondary levels.
“We have been learning so many things that are not important for our future work. Other countries have adopted new technology and skills training, while we are still learning about the Songhai Empire and Mau Mau rebellion. How do we use them to earn a living?” questioned Hon. Songa.
Mr. Onesmus Oyesigye, the chief guest, highlighted plans to establish a technological university in Uganda to offer advanced education and encourage more girls to pursue technical and vocational training.
“It’s upon us to encourage the girls. TVET is no longer just a job for men. When females take these courses, they excel because they are trusted,” Oyesigye stated.
Mr. Asea Coxton, Director of Studies and Chairman of the Graduation Ceremony Organizing Committee, emphasized the significance of the event for building strong bonds with alumni. He mentioned that the graduation fee was set at 153,000 UGX, inclusive of the gown.
“I ask the people of Zombo to encourage the girls to join the institution to acquire practical skills,” Asea urged.
Zombo district is fortunate to have three vocational training institutions: Ora Technical Institute, West Nile Region Zonal Skilling Industrial Hub, and Agiermach Vocational Institute. However, the local community’s recognition of the importance of technical and vocational skills remains low, contributing to minimal enrollment of local students.
The institute operates with limited staff, supported by both government-appointed and Board of Governors-funded members. Experts believe that with adequate staffing, the institute can significantly contribute to solving unemployment through practical skills training and support the goals of the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Bill 2024 and the establishment of a technological university in Uganda.
