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The Ankole Health Students Association–Mulago (AHESAM) has petitioned the Ministry of Education and Sports, calling for the suspension of interview-based admissions into diploma health training institutions for the 2026/2027 academic year, arguing that the current system lacks legal backing and creates uncertainty among applicants.
The association brings together students from the Ankole sub-region, covering districts including Buhweju, Bushenyi, Ibanda, Isingiro, Kazo, Kiruhura, Mbarara, Mbarara City, Mitooma, Ntungamo, Rubirizi, Rwampara, and Sheema. Leaders of the group say the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) department has introduced interviews for direct-entry diploma applicants without clear legal guidance, a move they claim contradicts established university admissions procedures under the Public Universities Joint Admissions Board (JAB) and the Public Universities Joint Admissions Board (PUJAB) system.
AHESAM President Canary Barekye said the policy shift is inconsistent with the TVET Act and national planning frameworks, arguing that the law does not explicitly provide for interviews as a requirement for diploma admissions. “When you read the TVET Act especially on pages 119 and 84 that empowers the department but gives powers to the minister to make regulations and the processes of admissions of students and trainees to a TVET provider, it also states that the registrar shall assist in the administration and organization of all training matters including admissions, assessment, research, and publication, and the TVET framework developed under section (1) shall provide for TVET programmes and course and admission to TVET,” he said.
Students also argue that under the previous system, UACE leavers would complete application forms and, based on performance, qualify directly for diploma programmes in health-related courses without undergoing interviews. Derrick Musiimirwe, a student at Makerere University, said the introduction of interviews has disrupted the admissions process and created confusion over sponsorship status.
Timothy Atwine, a student at Kyambogo University, said they consulted education authorities and institutions, including UNEB and university admissions offices, which confirmed that admissions into tertiary institutions are centrally coordinated through established boards. He added that despite writing to relevant authorities, no clear resolution has been communicated, even as the Health Education and Training department under TVET proceeds with shortlisting candidates for oral interviews.
Moses Kasakya, Executive Director of the TVET Council, confirmed receipt of the petition, noting that the matter has been forwarded to the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education and Sports, for further handling.
SOURCE: URN
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