The Vocational Training Institute (VTI) Soroti has passed out 644 graduates in its second cohort, strengthening Uganda’s growing technical workforce and reaffirming the institution’s commitment to skilling learners across Teso and beyond.
The ceremony was presided over by the Rt. Rev. Kosea Odongo, Bishop of the Anglican Church in Soroti Diocese, who urged graduates to uphold professionalism, integrity, and a commitment to lifelong learning.
“Do not stop at what you have acquired here,” the Bishop advised. “Keep learning from one level to another. If you have earned a skill, pursue a certificate, a diploma, and on to a PhD. Aim to become a professor in your field.”
He encouraged the graduates to maintain the strong work ethics taught at VTI Soroti, adding that their conduct in the workplace would reflect the institution’s reputation.
“When you uphold good morals, the school continues to shine and rise because people recognize its name through your character,” he said.
Rev. Eng. Julius Apedu, the Chief Trainer and Principal of VTI Soroti, noted that the graduation covered learners who completed their studies in 2023 and 2024. The next graduation is set for 30th October 2027.
Founded in 1989 under the leadership of the late Bishop Ilukor, the institute began as Village Technology to support communities recovering from insurgencies.
It was later registered under UBTEB in 2005 as Vocational Training Institute Soroti.
Today, it occupies 77 acres of church-owned freehold land and has grown into one of the region’s leading technical institutions.
The institute offers skills training, junior certificates, and national certificates. Starting next year, VTI Soroti will roll out diploma programs in building construction, motor vehicle mechanics, bricklaying and concrete practice, garment cutting, fashion and design, hotel management and catering, plumbing, woodwork technology, hairdressing, electrical installation, and motorcycle repair.
Rev. Eng. Apedu encouraged parents across Teso and neighboring regions to enroll their children for vocational skills, emphasizing that technical training creates practical employment opportunities and helps curb youth involvement in harmful behaviors.
However, he also highlighted challenges including management gaps, limited equipment, insufficient workshop space, and a shortage of instructors.
Despite these setbacks, he commended the government and the Ministry of Education for ongoing reforms that have strengthened technical education pathways from junior level up to university.
The principal appealed for increased government support, including granting VTI Soroti government-aided status and transforming it into a day-training institute to improve accessibility for learners of different backgrounds.
During the ceremony, it was revealed that fashion and design had the highest number of graduands, while carpentry and joinery registered the lowest. The administration urged the public to embrace all technical courses, noting that every skill area plays a critical role in national development.
To support the launch of diploma programs, VTI Soroti announced half bursaries for incoming students as part of the Church’s initiative to empower communities through skills development.
The institute began the year with 1,003 learners but currently has 846 due to financial dropouts.
More than 40 students are being sponsored by the Bishop of Soroti Diocese.
Tuition remains affordable, with UGX 208,000 for skills courses, UGX 210,000 for junior certificates, UGX 260,000 for national certificates (day), and UGX 580,000 for boarding students.
As a non-profit institution, VTI Soroti prioritizes community service and practical training.
The school also provides job opportunities to top-performing graduates, retaining several as instructors, cooks, and support staff.
Rev. Eng. Apedu expressed optimism about Uganda’s future in technical education.
“This country needs more producers,” he said. “Technical education may be expensive, but it is essential. With continued government support, we can build a strong foundation for national development.”
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