Namulanda Technical Institute (NATI) is a well-established institution with a clear focus on providing practical and vocational training that meets the needs of both students and the industry. Here’s a summary of what makes NATI a key player in Uganda's technical education landscape:
Key Points about Namulanda Technical Institute (NATI):
• Incorporation and Registration:
o NATI was incorporated on November 5, 2004, and received permission from the Ministry of Education and Sports to operate from May 22, 2007.
o It received full registration from the Ministry of Education and Sports in January 2010, which enables it to offer technical courses examined by the Uganda Business Technical Examinations Board (UBTEB) and the Directorate of Industrial Training (DIT).
• Courses Offered:
o NATI offers courses in Automotive Mechanics, Electrical Systems and Maintenance, Building Construction, and Plumbing. The institute admits Ordinary, Advanced, and Junior technical level certificate holders.
• Geographical Advantage:
o Located 18 km between Kampala, the capital city, and Entebbe International Airport, on plot 129 of Block 383-Busiro. This central location enhances its accessibility.
• Infrastructure and Market Potential:
o The institute boasts well-maintained infrastructure and a good teaching and learning environment, with room for expansion and a promising market potential.
• Mission and Vision:
o The mission is to empower individuals through employable skills and contribute to the economy by providing a skilled workforce.
o The vision focuses on imparting future-based technical education, instilling discipline, and ensuring that graduates remain professionals.
• Core Values:
o Commitment, relationships, leadership, and a "Yes I can" attitude are the core values that drive the institute.
• Focus on Technical Innovation and Entrepreneurship:
o NATI believes in the role of technical innovation and entrepreneurship in fostering development and aims to be a model for harnessing Uganda’s technological and entrepreneurial abilities.
• Efforts to Address Technical Education Shortcomings:
o The institute is addressing key challenges in technical education by:
1. Preparing adequately skilled manpower for higher productivity and industrialization.
2. Ensuring equal opportunities for all students to gain relevant skills.
3. Encouraging self-reliance and entrepreneurial abilities.
4. Promoting affirmative action for girls in technical training.
5. Ensuring a good stock of equipment and facilities to meet workplace challenges.
6. Focusing on improving both practical and theoretical knowledge for students.
7. Providing vocational guidance and counseling.
• Efforts to Equip Students with Practical Skills:
o NATI aims to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical skills by ensuring students have the right equipment for practicals. This approach reduces the burden on employers, who often find themselves training new recruits in practical aspects after hiring them.


• Industry Linkages:
o NATI is establishing linkages with industrial establishments to enhance industrial training and ensure the training offered is relevant to real-world work environments.
Overall Impact
NATI is dedicated to addressing the skills gap in Uganda by providing training that not only prepares students for the workforce but also enhances their entrepreneurial abilities. The institute’s strategic focus on practical skills, industry linkages, and support for girls in technical fields is positioning it as an essential institution for technical education in the country.