Practical Training for the Future of Tourism
Uganda’s ongoing Tourism Apprenticeship Program continues to receive strong commendation from the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities (MTWA), as key players in the hospitality sector are recognized for their role in equipping young Ugandans with practical, industry-relevant skills.
The initiative, which seeks to address the school-to-work transition gap, targets unemployed graduates from hospitality-related fields and is currently training 150 apprentices at the Uganda Hotel and Tourism Training Institute (UHTTI).
Government Reaffirms Commitment to Youth Employment
At a stakeholder engagement session held at the Source of the Nile Hotel in Namanve, MTWA’s Permanent Secretary, Ms. Doreen Katusiime—represented by Undersecretary Geoffrey Sseremba—reiterated the government’s commitment to nurturing a skilled and employable hospitality workforce.
“I commend all those who hosted our first cohort of apprentices. Many of them were retained by their host employers,” Katusiime said, also acknowledging support from the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development.
Launched last year, the program is part of Objective IV of the Tourism Development Program and is designed to develop skilled personnel across Uganda’s tourism value chain.
Program Structure: Bridging the Theory-Practice Divide
According to UHTTI Academic Registrar Richard Nkonge, the apprenticeship model features a 70:30 split between on-the-job training and college-based instruction. Apprentices, who are on contract and receive stipends, gain critical hands-on experience that enhances their employability.
“This is an industry-led training model, and that’s why many of our apprentices are retained by the companies where they train,” Nkonge explained.
Deputy Principal Moses Kaneene, however, urged employers to assess apprentices objectively, warning against inflated evaluation scores that may not reflect true competencies.
Industry Participation: Crucial for Programme Success
Richard Kawere, Principal of UHTTI, emphasized the importance of active industry involvement in the apprenticeship model.
“Many university graduates lack the practical experience employers demand. This program fills that gap, but it relies on industry participation to succeed,” he said.
To support continuous learning, UHTTI has launched online training programs for employees who cannot attend in-person classes. Kawere also announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the American Hotel and Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI) to provide certification for staff, with plans to extend these opportunities to industry partners by next year.
He added that a new law passed in March officially upgraded UHTTI to a college, with a rebranding initiative currently in progress.
Stakeholder Feedback: Progress with Pointers for Improvement
While many stakeholders praised the program’s positive impact, some raised concerns over the selection of apprentices and the realistic management of expectations.
Innocent Magezi, Food and Beverage Manager at Nob View Hotel, highlighted the importance of grooming and presentation, saying, “The industry needs smart, presentable individuals. Sometimes the apprentices sent to us don’t meet that standard. Also, their salary expectations are often too high.”
Similarly, Reuben Tumwikirize, General Supervisor at Hotel Kash in Mbarara, voiced concern over reports that some apprentices outsource their report writing, urging for closer monitoring and academic integrity.
A Promising Start and Future Outlook
The program admitted 90 apprentices in its first cohort, who are set to graduate in November 2025. The second cohort, currently undergoing off-job training since July 1, will soon begin their placements in hotels and hospitality institutions across the country.
Speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, Work-Based Learning Officer Ibrahim Wako Kisu praised the initiative, noting the absence of grievances from participants or host institutions.
“That shows the program is being implemented effectively,” Kisu remarked, encouraging continued collaboration across ministries, training institutions, and the private sector.
Conclusion: Building a Skilled Tourism Workforce
As Uganda positions tourism as a cornerstone of its economic development strategy, the Tourism Apprenticeship Program represents a timely and strategic intervention. By focusing on practical, job-ready skills and fostering public-private partnerships, the initiative not only strengthens the country’s hospitality workforce but also offers young Ugandans a clear pathway to meaningful employment.
With consistent support and oversight, this program holds the promise of transforming both lives and industries—one apprentice at a time.