The government is set to upgrade Lutunku Community Polytechnic in Kawanda Sub-County to the level of a Farming and Technical Training Institute, aiming to strengthen agricultural vocational skills among youth. Currently operating as a junior technical training school for primary seven leavers, the polytechnic provides foundational vocational courses in motor vehicle mechanics, plumbing, carpentry, building, and tailoring.
Serapio Wokunda, Principal Instructor at the polytechnic, said the Ministry of Education and Sports’ Department of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) has approved the elevation. He explained that the upgraded institute will focus particularly on agricultural courses, which are in high demand locally, with an emphasis on dairy production and value addition to benefit the surrounding community.
Wokunda noted that the government has already invested in major renovations, infrastructure expansion, and installation of modern equipment to improve the learning environment. He said the polytechnic previously struggled to attract students due to outdated courses, insufficient equipment, and dilapidated facilities.
Moses Ssenkusu, a carpentry instructor, said the upgrade is long overdue, given the need for transformational skills and the growing recognition of vocational education. He added that the new status will allow students to acquire advanced practical skills, enhancing their competitiveness in the job market, and that the institute’s ample land will be used for hands-on agricultural lessons.
Patrick Nkalubo welcomed the development, saying the government has addressed a long-standing demand for improved vocational training. He expressed hope that the institute could eventually be further elevated to a vocational college capable of offering diploma and degree programs. URN