Profile of the Uganda Vocational and Technical Assessment Board (UVTAB)

Introduction

The Uganda Vocational and Technical Assessment Board (UVTAB) is a national corporate body established by Act No.81 of Parliament of Uganda- the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Act 2025, Clause 77, Section 2(a). UVTAB operates under the Ministry of Education and Sports.

UVTAB is a national leader in the assessment and certification of competencies obtained through TVET, offering a wide range of qualifications across various sectors. Established in 2025, UVTAB is committed to building a reputation for high-quality assessment and certification of competencies, providing individuals and world of work with the requisite skills and knowledge needed to drive socio-economic transformation and national development.

Mandate

UVTAB is mandated as an assessment body responsible for the assessment and certification of competencies obtained through formal and informal vocational or technical education and training. The UVTAB was formed as a result of TVET reforms in Uganda. Its objects are, inter alia, to organise and conduct examinations; engage in relevant research and issues certificates and Diplomas to successful candidates.

Functions of UVTAB
The Board is responsible for a range of functions designed to enhance the quality and effectiveness of assessment and certification of competencies obtained through formal and informal vocational and technical education and training in Uganda:

1. To accredit assessment centers
2. To assess and certify candidates of TVET
3. To register candidates for assessment
4. to prepare, protect, conduct, supervise and mark TVET assessments;
5. to supervise the conduct of continuous assessment of TVET;
6. to award qualifications to TVET candidates who satisfy TVET assessment requirements;
7. equate TVET qualifications;
8. to develop rules and regulations for the management of TVET assessment and certification;
9. to develop assessment and certification standards for TVET and apprenticeship schemes where applicable;
10. to develop TVET training packages and curricula in consultation with Sector Skills Expert Committee and TVET providers and with the approval of Council;
11. to investigate and determine cases involving assessment malpractice by candidates or any other persons involved in TVET assessment matters;
12. to determine fees payable for purposes of assessment;
13. to undertake research on TVET assessment;
14. to identify the needs of the labour market for occupational competencies; and
15. to promote on-the-job training and assessment in industry for apprenticeship, traineeship and indenture training and for other training such as further skills training and upgrading

Composition and Governance of the Board

UVTAB is led by a Board comprising of industry experts, educational professionals, and representatives from the world of work. The Board is governed with transparency and accountability, ensuring that decisions align with its mission of promoting quality assessment of TVET in Uganda.

The Board consists of a diverse group of members as listed below;

• 1. A Chairperson appointed by the Minister
  2. A representative from the Ministry of Finance.
  3. A representative of heads of TVET providers.
  4. Two representatives from the Federation of Uganda Employers.
  5. Two other employer representatives.

The Executive Secretary serves as the secretary of the Board and is an ex-officio member, responsible for the day-to-day administration of the Secretariat.

Powers of UVTAB

1. UVTAB shall have powers to do all things and to act in all ways necessary for or incidental to the purpose for which it is established.
2. Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1) of TVET Act 2025,  UVTAB has powers to;
   1. demand for any information, document or record in respect of any assessment where an assessment malpractice is alleged, reported or proven against any TVET provider, assessment centre or person;
   2. conduct such investigations as it may consider necessary and during the investigations, withhold the assessment results of any candidate until the investigations are concluded;
   3. call for any information or the production of any documents the TVET Assessment Board may require, within such period, in such place and from such person as the TVET Assessment Board may determine, to assist in the investigation.

1. demand for any information, document or rccord in respect of an assessment centre from the person in charge;

1. institute or commission an inquiry or investigation into a case of alleged assessment malpractice;

(fl conduct hearings in case of assessment malpractice;

1. summon any person the Board considers fit to assist as a witness in any inquiry or investigation into a case of assessment malpractice and where necessary, examine the witness on oath;
2. cancel or suspend the registration of an assessment centre which is proven to have engaged in assessment malpractice:
3. recall the results of a candidate that are released in error,

1. appoint supervisors, invigilators, scouts, monitors and special needs support personnel to assist in the conduct and supervision of assessment;

1. with the approval of the Minister determine and charge assessment registration fees; and

1. charge fees for the publications and for the services offered by the Board on a commercial basis

1. The Board may, cancel an assessment tool or paper where it is proved that there is an assessment malpractice of a wide or national magnitude, with respect to that assessment tool or paper.

1. The Board may, for a reasonable cause delay, withhold or cancel any assessment results.

1. The Board shall cancel a certificate awarded to a candidate under section 79 where it is proved—

1. 1. that the certificate was acquired fraudulently;

1. 1. that the certificate was awarded in error; or

1. 1. after the certificate is awarded, that the person to whom it is awarded committed an act of assessment malpractice

Corporate Governance of UVTAB

UVTAB is headed by the Executive Secretary who is accountable to the Board and is the chief executive and accounting officer of the Board.

Vision

Mission

Values:

OUR KEY DELIVERABLES

Assessment and Certification of Candidates

UVTAB oversees the assessment and certification of candidates in various Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programs. This process ensures that individuals possess the necessary skills and knowledge to meet industry standards, enhancing their employability and professional competencies.

2. Development of TVET Training Packages and Curriculum Development

The board is responsible for creating comprehensive training packages and curricula that align with both market needs and national educational standards. This development process ensures that training content is relevant, up-to-date, and effectively prepares students for the workforce or further education.

3. Equating TVET Qualifications

UVTAB works to equate different TVET qualifications, establishing common standards across various programs and institutions. This process facilitates recognition of qualifications nationally and internationally, ensuring that graduates are assessed fairly and can pursue opportunities without barriers.

4. Accreditation of Assessment Centres

UVTAB accredits assessment centers to ensure they meet quality standards for evaluating candidates. This accreditation process reassures stakeholders that assessments are conducted fairly, consistently, and in accordance with national policies, thereby maintaining the integrity of the certification process.

5. Award TVET Qualifications

The board is authorized to award TVET qualifications to successful candidates, recognizing their achievement and competencies. This formal awarding process not only validates the skills acquired by learners but also enhances their credibility in the job market.

6. Undertake Research on TVET Assessment

UVTAB conducts research to evaluate and improve assessment practices within TVET. This research helps identify challenges, emerging trends, and areas for enhancement in assessment methodologies, ensuring that they remain relevant and effective.

7. Promotion of On-Job Training and Assessment in the Industry

The board actively promotes on-the-job training and assessment, collaborating with industries to provide practical training experiences. These initiatives ensure that learners gain hands-on skills within real work environments, bridging the gap between education and employment while meeting industry demands.

8. Identifying the Needs of the Labour Market for Occupational Competencies

Identifying the needs of the labor market for occupational competencies is crucial for aligning education and training programs with the demands and expectations of employers and industries. This process involves assessing current and future workforce requirements, helping to bridge the gap between education and employment. This has benefits such as Skills Alignment, Dynamic Workforce Development, Reduction of Skills Gaps: Collaboration with Industry, Informed Policy Making and Enhancing Career Guidance.

UVTAB and National Development
The Uganda Vocational and Technical Assessment Board plays a pivotal role in shaping the quality of technical and vocational education and training in Uganda. By ensuring rigorous assessment and certification processes, UVTAB contributes significantly to workforce readiness and the overall development of the country’s human capital.