A total of 459 students have graduated from the Uganda Hotel and Tourism Training Institute (UHTTI) in Jinja city after successfully completing their two-year programs at certificate and diploma levels.
Of these, 271 were female representing 59% of the total number of graduates while 188 were male accounting for 41% of the graduates.
Out of the 459 graduates, 268 were on normal program while 191 were on the apprenticeship program that is funded by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and implemented by the Uganda Hotel Owners Association (UHOA), Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, Ministry of Education and UHTTI.
Speaking during the function, the Tourism Minister, Tom Butime pledged that government is ready to increase the resource envelop of the hospitality and tourism institutions across the country.
This he said targets to enhance the workforce in the country’s pivotal sector.
“I want to affirm that government will continue to accord importance and increase the resource envelope allocated to the skilling of the tourism workforce,” said Butime.
According to the Butime government has promoted local and international collaborations, development of tourism infrastructure across the country, increase in budgetary allocations and capacity building for the sector value chains, which he said have translated into good outcomes.
He hailed the tourism institute for helping fill the gaps in the hospitality and tourism sector
“It is gratifying to note that graduates from UHTTI are well sought after by many employers not just because of their quality but also because UHTTI as a training institution continues to impact the community through outreach services, research, innovation and curriculum development,” he noted.
The minister commended the tourism sector agencies and stakeholders that have potentially contributed to the progress of the sector which greatly contributes to the country’s Growth Domestic Product (GDP).
These include the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB), Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), Ministry of Education and Sports, Uganda Peoples Defense Forces, Uganda Hotel Owners Association (UHOA), International Labour Organization (ILO) and Busoga Kingdom, among others.
Butime who congratulated the graduates for the great achievement, urged them to explore more opportunities that open the door for them in the world of work.
“Ensure that you remain innovative as this is the only way you will overcome the challenges ahead of you. Apply the knowledge and skills imparted in you equitably and prepare to be at the forefront to lead the struggle that will transform the lives of our people,” he told the graduates.
UHTTI Principal Mr Richard Kawere emphasized that the new infrastructural and curriculum development would ensure that 80% of the course content is focused on skills acquisition, ensuring that students graduate with the necessary competencies.
He said the goal remains on achieving the center of excellence not only in Uganda but also across the region.
“The magnificent facility is in its final stages and by next year, Crested Crane Hotel- Jinja will be in operation to give a feel and experience to UHTTI students which will give them confidence to work in the same environment elsewhere,” Mr Kawere said.
He noted that the institute has been recognized internationally as evidenced from the 69 Congolese students, nine Rwandese, 35 South Sudanese and four Burundians who were part of the 15th graduation.
Ms Florence Naduk, the vice chairperson of UHTTI’s Board of Directors, who represented the chairperson Board of Directors, Dr Jane Egau, expressed the Board’s commitment of steering the Institution’s vision of becoming a Center of Excellence for Tourism and Hospitality Training in the country and the region.
“This is evidenced by the number of activities undertaken in transforming the Institute including; staff recruitment, capacity building, curriculum development, international benchmarking as well as local and international collaborations,” Ms Naduk said.
“In line with the performance charter signed at the beginning of our term, the Board successfully undertook improvements in the curriculum delivery and assessment to match the international standards and current labour market demand. A policy to digitalize all the Institute programs and systems has also been put in place and is undergoing implementation by management.”
Jean-Philippe Bittencourt, the General Manager of Sheraton Hotel Kampala, applauded UHTTI’s contribution to the hospitality industry for the past three decades.
He said the institute has effectively nurtured quality manpower capable for occupying the globe market.
“Always remember the cores of the hospitality industry which are customer care and effective communication,” Mr Bittencourt said.
