Parliament Orders Education Ministry to Address MTAC Staff Grievances

Parliament’s Committee on Education and Sports has directed the Ministry of Education and Sports to urgently resolve concerns raised by more than 60 former employees of the Management Training and Advisory Centre (MTAC) who were reportedly left out during a recent institutional merger.

MTAC was dissolved under the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Act, 2025, with its functions transferred to Nakawa Vocational Training College. The law provided for the transfer of the centre’s assets, liabilities, students and staff to Nakawa as part of the transition process.

However, during a meeting with ministry officials led by the Minister of State for Sports, Peter Ogwang, legislators raised concerns that dozens of staff were not absorbed into the new structure.

Committee Chairperson James Kubeketerya questioned why the affected workers had not been given clear positions following the merger.

“MTAC had staff and when the merger occurred, either these people were not absorbed. Why not just get a definite position on that?” Kubeketerya asked.

Lawmakers pressed the ministry to address the grievances promptly, following complaints from former employees who claim they were sidelined during the transition.

Ministry Response and Criticism

The Commissioner for Technical and Vocational Education and Training, Loy Muhwezi, told the committee that MTAC officially ceased to exist once the merger was approved and that only Nakawa Vocational Training College is recognised within the ministry’s current structure. She added that the takeover process is still being finalised.

Her remarks that some staff may have been recruited irregularly shortly before the merger drew sharp criticism from MPs.

Emmanuel Ongiertho faulted the ministry for what he described as weak supervision, questioning how an institution could allegedly recruit staff unlawfully without the ministry’s knowledge.

Silas Aogon called for investigations into both the alleged irregular recruitment and any ministry officials who may have failed to act.

Muhwezi requested more time to prepare a comprehensive report detailing the transition process. Nathan Itungo sought clarification on the progress made so far in implementing the merger.

Call for Formal Complaints

Minister Ogwang urged the affected staff to formally submit their grievances to enable the government to assess and verify their claims.

“I also want to really ask you to help me with the information regarding that person because I have just been asking the Permanent Secretary whether she has received any of these complaints from their grid and it seems the answer is negative,” Ogwang said.

The committee reiterated its demand for a clear and transparent resolution to the matter, as Parliament continues to oversee the implementation of reforms under the TVET Act.