The Uhuru Institute, universities to revolutionise graduate skills development through cooperative apprenticeships

KAMPALA, February 4, 2025 – In a landmark move to bridge the gap between academia and practical skills development, The Uhuru Institute for Social Development [TUI] has entered a Memorandum of Understanding [MoU] with the Uganda Vice Chancellors’ Forum [UVCF].

This partnership aims to transform higher education in Uganda by integrating a cooperative business model into university curricula and providing young graduates with hands-on experience through the innovative Skill Coop Graduate Apprentice Programme.

The MoU represents a significant step towards addressing the pressing need for social and economic transformation in Uganda. It seeks to equip young graduates with the skills necessary to thrive in an increasingly competitive job market while fostering cooperative values that emphasise community development.

According to Prof. Eriabu Lugujjo, Executive Director of the UVCF, this collaboration is a game-changer for Uganda’s higher education sector. “Many people view academia as detached from the masses,” he noted during the signing ceremony. “This MoU brings essential skill sets directly to students, enabling them to meet the demands of social and economic transformation.”

Lugujjo highlighted the importance of embedding cooperative business models within university curricula. “Through this partnership, we will distribute educational materials that promote cooperatives and facilitate strategic research and knowledge-sharing between our institutions,” he explained. “We are eager to collaborate with the Uhuru Institute, especially when it comes to transforming young people through attachments to cooperatives.”

He emphasised that the cooperative movement offers a unique gateway for young Ugandans to understand the country’s economic landscape while instilling a strong work ethic.

“This memorandum serves as a bridge between our universities and the cooperative movement,” he added. “It aligns perfectly with our mission to prepare students not just academically but also practically for the real world,” Lugujjo said.

Leonard Okello, Chief Executive Officer of TUI, drew parallels between the Skill Coop Graduate Apprentice Programme and traditional apprenticeship systems embedded in Ugandan culture.

“Growing up, both my grandparents were colonial chiefs,” he recounted. “Being a chief required you to undergo an internship-like system called ‘varndama,’ similar to what exists in Germany today. Young individuals were nominated and sent to the palace in Buganda, where they spent two years learning governance, management, and British law before returning to their communities to serve,” Okello said

Okello underscored the relevance of reviving such time-tested practices in modern times. “The concept of apprenticeships is not new; it is deeply rooted in our cultural heritage,” he stated. “Unfortunately, this practice has been underutilised in building a productive economy. Through this programme, we aim to reconnect with these traditions while adopting global best practices.”

The Skill Coop Graduate Apprentice Programme draws inspiration from Germany’s renowned dual education system, particularly its implementation in Bavaria. Known for its emphasis on vocational training, the Bavarian model combines classroom instruction with practical work experience, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for the workforce.

In Germany, apprentices spend part of their week attending vocational schools and the remainder working at companies. This hands-on approach allows them to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings, gaining valuable skills and industry exposure. By the end of their apprenticeships, participants often secure full-time employment with the companies they trained with.

Under the MoU, TUI and UVCF plan to adapt this model to suit Uganda’s context, focusing on cooperatives as key partners. Apprentices will receive coaching and mentorship from experienced cooperative leaders, enabling them to launch successful cooperative businesses upon completion of the program. Additionally, the initiative will foster collaboration in research and innovation, encouraging universities to develop solutions tailored to local needs for the cooperative movement.

The partnership between TUI and UVCF underscores a commitment to empowering young graduates and promoting sustainable development. By integrating cooperative principles into higher education and offering practical training opportunities, the @skillcoop Graduate Apprentice Programme aims to create a generation of skilled professionals equipped to drive economic growth and social change.

As Prof. Lugujjo aptly put it, “This MoU is more than just a document, it is a blueprint for a brighter future.” With the combined efforts of academia, cooperatives, and government stakeholders, the program holds immense potential to transform lives, reshape mindsets, and catalyse meaningful progress across Uganda’s higher education landscape.

For Okello, the initiative represents a return to roots while embracing innovation. “Our goal is simple: to empower young people with the tools they need to succeed and contribute positively to society,” he concluded.

“Together, we can build a future where every graduate is prepared to lead not just professionally, but socially and economically as well,” Okello said.

With this groundbreaking partnership, the stage is set for a new era of cooperation and collaboration in Uganda’s educational ecosystem. As the Skill Coop Graduate Apprentice Programme gains momentum, it promises to redefine the role of higher education in driving national development and fostering a culture of entrepreneurship and shared prosperity.

https://thecooperator.news/the-uhuru-institute-calls-for-strong-cooperatives-in-new-years-message/

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