MTWA Launches Second Cohort of Apprenticeship Programme to Boost Skills in Tourism and Hospitality Sector

mtwa tourism
Aug 7
3 min read

Jinja, Uganda-The Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities (MTWA) today (07/08/2025) officially launched the Second Cohort of the MTWA Apprenticeship Programme at the Uganda Hotel and Tourism Training College (UHTTC) in Jinja. The launch marks a significant milestone in the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to build a skilled and competitive workforce in the tourism and hospitality sector.

UHTTC, a fully government owned institution under the MTWA, plays a pivotal role in training human resources in the hospitality and tourism sector. It also supervises the training and assessment of hospitality and tourism education across the country. While officiating the launching the first cohort, Doreen Katusiime, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Atiquities, congratulated and commended the College’s management and staff for executing this mandate with commendable resilience and commitment.

“I thank and congratulate, Management and staff of the College for carrying out this mandate with resilience and commitment. As a Ministry, we are proud of UHTTC for its role in the Human Resource Development for the entire sector.”

The launch also marks the celebration of the completion of training for the first cohort, who are now awaiting graduation. Building on the success of this initial group of 90 apprentices, the programme has expanded significantly, with the second intake growing to accommodate 150 apprentices, a clear reflection of its rapid growth and increasing support. According to Mr. Richard Kawere, Principal of the Hotel and Tourism Training Institute, the programme is being implemented in close collaboration with industry professionals. “Apprentices from the first cohort had the opportunity to engage with renowned chefs from establishments such as Serena Hotels, Nile Resort Hotel in Jinja, among others; providing them with valuable exposure to evolving industry trends and modern workplace practices.”

Mr. Kawere also revealed that the Ministry recently held a stakeholder meeting with employers hosting the first cohort of apprentices, where it was confirmed that most of them have already been absorbed into the workforce; a clear indication of the programme’s impact and relevance.

The current group of 150 apprentices includes:

49 Tour Guides
29 Bakers
28 Receptionists
25 Cooks
19 Waitrons

This milestone could not have been achieved without the support from The Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development (MoGLSD) who have provided technical guidance and facilitated the approval of the apprenticeship programme.

The tourism sector continues to be a key pillar in Uganda’s economy, significantly contributing to GDP, job creation, investment opportunities, and foreign exchange earnings. However, challenges persist, particularly the limited availability of skilled local personnel and dominance by foreign workers, despite an increase in training institutions.

In response, Government has committed under the National Development Plan IV (NDP IV) and the NRM Manifesto to enhance local capacity through targeted skills development. The Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, as the lead agency for the Tourism Development Programme, is implementing Objective 4, which emphasizes apprenticeship-based training to upskill unemployed graduates and improve employability.

The programme is aimed at:

Promoting employment-based skilling, reskilling, and upskilling of unemployed graduates in the tourism and hospitality industry, and;
Strengthening synergies among key stakeholders in the implementation of apprenticeship training in the tourism sector.

The programme targets young unemployed graduates in the fields of tourism, leisure, and hospitality, and will continue to train 150 apprentices annually, thanks to increased government funding.

Training and Oversight Structure

The apprenticeship programme will be implemented in collaboration with:

Hotel and Tourism Training College (HTTC); for offsite training and supervision of on-the-job trainees.
Uganda Business and Technical Examination Board, (UBTEB) under the Ministry of Education and Sports, for assessment and certification.
Ministry of Gender Labor and Social Developmet; responsible for Policy regulation, guidance, and monitoring.
The Ministry of Tourism will oversee funding, selection, monitoring, and discipline throughout the programme duration.

In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary reminded all apprentices to uphold the Public Service and Professional Codes of Conduct. She then led them in taking the Official Oath and Oath of Secrecy before they proceeded to sign a one-year employment agreement with the Ministry. This process, she emphasized, is intended to keep them accountable and aligned with the standards of the industries where they will be attached.

As the apprentices embark on this transformative journey, the Permanent Secretary urged them to embrace "discipline, commitment, and a desire to learn." She noted that “the skills and exposure gained through this programme are essential to elevating Uganda’s tourism industry and positioning it for sustainable growth and global competitiveness.”

“Congratulations to all the apprentices and stakeholders who made this milestone possible. May this opportunity mark the beginning of a journey filled with purpose, professional growth, and national impact.”