By David Mwanje
The Uganda Hotel and Tourism Training Institute (UHTTI), soon to be rebranded as the Hotel and Tourism Training College (HTTC), is sharpening its role as the nation’s premier hospitality training institution through a strategic partnership with Kyambogo University. A recently concluded three-day training program, sponsored by Enabel, equipped UHTTI staff with advanced pedagogical and andragogical skills to meet the evolving demands of Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET).
The initiative, led by Dr. Eric Kalanda of Kyambogo University’s Faculty of Education, focused on enhancing trainers’ capabilities to deliver cutting-edge hospitality education. “UHTTI is the custodian of hospitality training in Uganda, not UVTAB,” Dr. Kalanda emphasized, underscoring the institute’s pivotal role in shaping the sector. He stressed that mastering pedagogical skills is essential for UHTTI to fulfill its mandate effectively.
Supporting this view, Robert Ssewakka, a vocational education expert from Kyambogo, delivered an engaging session on TVET pathways and certification. He highlighted the importance of trainers being registered under the new TVET law, stating, “Unregistered trainers do not qualify to train learners.” His presentation outlined the technical requirements for compliance, urging staff to secure certifications to align with national standards.
The training comes at a critical juncture as UHTTI transitions from the Ministry of Tourism to the Ministry of Education, following the TVET Act signed in March 2025. This shift, accompanied by the institute’s rebranding to HTTC, signals a broader mandate to elevate hospitality education. Deputy Principal Moses Kaneene praised the partnership with Kyambogo, noting its impact on staff development and research. “Ten of our staff are pursuing Masters and PhDs at Kyambogo, strengthening our capacity to deliver quality training,” he said.
The partnership aligns with Uganda’s push to professionalize its hospitality sector, a key driver of tourism and economic growth. By equipping trainers with modern methodologies and ensuring compliance with TVET regulations, HTTC is positioning itself as a regional leader in hospitality education, ready to meet both local and global industry demands. Plans to officially launch the institute’s new name are underway, marking a new chapter in its mission to transform Uganda’s hospitality landscape.
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