The quality, relevance and competitiveness of Uganda's hospitality workforce are largely determined by education policy, which is central to sustaining the tourism-driven economy. This study systematically reviews the evolution and challenges of Hospitality and Tourism Education (HTE) policies in Uganda, spanning from its colonial-era vocational roots to contemporary competency-based frameworks. The study was guided by the Policy Coherence for Sustainable Development Framework. Utilizing a systematic policy review methodology based on document analysis, the study investigated 18 authoritative policy and legislative texts, including the TVET Policy (2019) and Vision 2040, to assess the policy framework's structural coherence. The analysis was guided by a Policy Coherence Framework to evaluate temporal evolution, horizontal alignment across education, tourism, and labor sectors, and vertical coherence between national mandates and institutional capacity. The findings confirm a progressive policy shift toward professionalization and industry-led standards, evidenced by the institutionalization of quality assurance and increased regulatory oversight. However, the review identifies significant structural challenges that hinder effective implementation. These include a pervasive vertical coherence gap where ambitious national goals are undermined by resource constraints and insufficient institutional capacity. Furthermore, a lack of horizontal coherence manifests as sectoral fragmentation and minimal employer participation, limiting the real-world relevance of training. Policies remain largely aspirational rather than operational, leading to skill mismatches, dependence on foreign expertise, and a failure to fully integrate cultural and indigenous hospitality values. The study concludes that strengthening policy alignment, embedding cultural competencies, enhancing curriculum relevance, and fostering sustainable industry partnerships are critical for advancing hospitality education and training. These insights carry important implications for academics, policymakers, and practitioners, offering a foundation for future curriculum design, workforce development, and evidence-informed reforms in Uganda’s hospitality sector. This study contributes by providing the first systematic review of Uganda’s hospitality education policies through the lens of policy coherence, tracing their historical evolution, exposing gaps in alignment and implementation, and offering actionable recommendations to strengthen curriculum design, workforce development, and industry linkages.
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