Summary:

• Ibanda District Education Officer Peter Nsimire highlighted that the district has only five vocational training institutions, with St Kizito Technical Institute being the only government-aided one. During the handover of a new dormitory at St Kizito, funded by the Japanese embassy, former MP John Byabagambi and Japanese ambassador Sasayama Takuya stressed the importance of technical education for employment.

IBANDA, (Examiner) – Ibanda District Education Officer Peter Nsimire recently revealed that the district hosts only five vocational training institutions. Additionally, St Kizito Technical Institute Mabonwa in Rukiri Subcounty stands as the sole government-aided technical institute.

“Despite the government’s agenda of skilling Uganda to produce more job creators rather than job seekers, we only have five institutions promoting technical education. Our only government-aided institution is St Kizito,” Nsimire stated. “The others include Ibanda Training College in Ishongororo, St Benedict in Ishongororo Town Council, one in Igorora, and another in Bihanga archdeaconry in Ibanda North. These institutions are pivotal in advancing vocational training.”

Nsimire made these remarks during the commissioning and handover ceremony of a new female dormitory at St Kizito Technical Institute. The dormitory was constructed by the Japanese embassy under their grassroots project, costing over Shs300 million, facilitated through the efforts of former Member of Parliament and minister John Byabagambi.

Byabagambi emphasized the need for a mindset change among parents who still underestimate the value of technical training. “Technical schools are essential for creating employment, particularly self-employment, unlike universities,” Byabagambi said. “I urge parents to encourage their children to enroll in technical schools because those with technical skills will always find job opportunities.”

During the ceremony, Japanese ambassador to Uganda Sasayama Takuya expressed pride in supporting St Kizito Technical Institute. “We chose St Kizito Technical Institute for our grassroots project this year to empower young women. I am proud to contribute resources for a bright future for the people of St Kizito,” Takuya said.

Currently, St Kizito Technical Institute has 240 students, with 170 males and 70 females. The school’s principal, Ambrose Nareeba, is optimistic that the new dormitory will attract more students. “We have struggled with poor accommodation for female students, but now that issue is resolved. We can now focus on ensuring a bright future for the girl child. I am confident that more students will enroll in technical courses at St Kizito,” Nareeba said.