In a landmark move to strengthen Uganda’s tourism and hospitality workforce, the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities (MTWA) has officially launched the second cohort of its Apprenticeship Programme at the Uganda Hotel and Tourism Training Institute (UHTTI) in Jinja.
The launch signals the Ministry’s deepening commitment to equipping young Ugandans with industry-relevant skills, aligned with national priorities under the National Development Plan IV and the NRM Manifesto.
The initiative aims to address longstanding challenges in the sector, particularly the shortage of skilled local professionals and the dominance of foreign workers.
UHTTI, a fully government-owned institution under MTWA, plays a central role in tourism and hospitality training nationwide.
While presiding over the launch, Permanent Secretary Doreen Katusiime lauded the UHTTI team for their resilience and dedication to workforce development.
“I thank and congratulate the management and staff of the College for executing this mandate with resilience and commitment.
As a Ministry, we are proud of UHTTI’s role in human resource development for the sector,” Katusiime said.
The second cohort builds on the success of the inaugural class of 90 apprentices, whose training has now concluded. Many from the first group have already been absorbed into the workforce, signaling the programme’s effectiveness and relevance.
According to UHTTI Principal Richard Kawere, the programme’s design includes close collaboration with top industry players. Apprentices have benefited from hands-on training with renowned chefs and hospitality professionals from prestigious establishments such as Serena Hotels and Nile Resort Hotel.
The newly launched cohort includes 150 apprentices distributed across key roles including: 49 tour guides, 29 bankers, 28 receptionists, 25 cooks, and 19 waitrons.
The programme also enjoys strong backing from the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development (MoGLSD), which has provided essential technical guidance and support for its approval and rollout.
As Uganda’s tourism sector continues to play a pivotal role in the national economy, driving GDP growth, employment, investment, and foreign exchange, the Apprenticeship Programme stands as a strategic response to the sector’s skills gap.
Under Objective 4 of the Tourism Development Programme, the MTWA is focused on employment-based skilling, reskilling, and upskilling of unemployed graduates, particularly in tourism, leisure, and hospitality.
With enhanced government funding, the programme is set to train at least 150 apprentices annually.
The MTWA and its partners hope that by institutionalizing such hands-on training initiatives, Uganda will not only build a competent local workforce but also reduce overreliance on foreign professionals in the tourism industry.
