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Cuba and Uganda have signed an MoU to enhance vocational training in Uganda, focusing on technical skill development, curriculum improvement, and exchange programs.

(L-R) Education ministry permanent secretary Dr Kedrace Turyagenda, the outgoing Cuban ambassador to Uganda Tania Perez and the state minister of higher education John Muyingo during a meeting at the ministry headquarters in Kampala

The Government of Cuba, through its Ministry of Education, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Uganda, aimed at bolstering vocational training in Uganda.

Speaking on the development, the outgoing Cuban Ambassador to Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi, Dr. Tania Perez Xiques, noted that discussions on the implementation of the MoU are forthcoming.

“We need to organize our first meeting to outline the various steps for implementation, as we currently do not have all the details. The next phase will involve agreeing on the specifics of this MoU,” Dr. Perez stated during her farewell visit to the Ministry of Education and Sports (MOES) headquarters in Kampala.

Dr. Perez clarified that details such as the number of beneficiaries and specific activities will be addressed during the initial discussions between both countries.

Representing the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Janet Museveni, at the event was State Minister for Higher Education, Dr. John C. Muyingo. He expressed optimism about the partnership, citing Cuba’s expertise in technical and vocational education as a key resource for Uganda’s current priorities.

“I have visited Cuba and witnessed their excellence in technical and vocational education and training. This MoU will enable Uganda to benefit from their expertise,” Dr. Muyingo remarked, commending Dr. Perez for her contributions during her tenure in Uganda.

The collaboration between Uganda and Cuba is not new, with Cuban professors having supported the establishment of Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) since its inception in the 1980s.

The outgoing Cuban ambassador to Uganda Tania Perez and the state minister of higher education John Muyingo during a meeting at the ministry headquarters in Kampala

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Ms. Kedrace Turyagyenda, elaborated on the scope of the MoU, emphasizing its focus on skill development.

“This MoU aims to enhance technical skills through curriculum development for technical institutions, exchange visits, and learning opportunities with Cuban experts,” Ms. Turyagyenda stated. She added that an officer would soon be assigned to oversee the MoU’s implementation.

The agreement was signed earlier by the Minister of Education in Havana, Cuba, solidifying the partnership. A cake-cutting ceremony and a photo session were held to commemorate the event. Key ministry officials present included Principal TVET Officer Simon Edeku, Senior Education Officer Peter Kyozira, and Principal Economist Patrick Apechu.

Dr. Perez’s farewell visit also included meetings with Vice President Jessica Alupo, Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa, and members of the National Resistance Movement (NRM). Her tenure has been lauded for strengthening the bilateral relationship between Uganda and Cuba in areas such as sports, trade, and development projects.

Deputy Speaker Tayebwa praised Dr. Perez’s diplomatic efforts, describing them as a strong foundation for continued collaboration and mutual growth between the two nations.