Association of Translators and Interpreters Uganda
Your link to professional translation and interpretation in Uganda
A rigorous certificate programme offered by the Association of Translators and Interpreters Uganda LTD, coordinated by the Centre for Language and Communication Services, Makerere University.
The Certification Course in Translation (CCT) is introduced in response to the urgent and growing need for professional translation services in Uganda and the broader region. As globalization intensifies and multilingual communication becomes essential across sectors, the demand for skilled translators has never been greater. Currently, translation, interpretation, and subtitling are often practiced informally, leading to inconsistencies in quality and professionalism.
The course aims to equip practitioners with standardized skills and recognized certification, moving the field away from informal practices and raising the overall standard of translation services.
Increased cross-border activities, international business, and multicultural engagement demand reliable, accurate, and culturally sensitive translation. The CCT prepares translators to meet these market needs effectively.
Certification provides a tangible credential, significantly boosting the employability of graduates in government, international organizations, media, tourism, hospitality, and the private sector.
Effective translation is crucial for disseminating information, fostering understanding, and supporting development initiatives within a linguistically diverse society.
By collaborating with the Association of Translators and Interpreters Uganda LTD, the course connects participants to professional networks, opening avenues for mentorship, collaboration, and career placement.
The CCT integrates international standards, industry ethics, and technological advancements, ensuring that Ugandan translators remain competitive in both local and international markets.
The primary goal of the Certification Course in Translation (CCT) is to equip aspiring and practicing translators with comprehensive professional knowledge, practical skills, and ethical grounding necessary to deliver accurate, high-quality translation services in Uganda and beyond.
To achieve the goal, the course is designed to:
Upon successful completion of the CCT, participants will be able to:
The Certification Course in Translation (CCT) will be delivered in a structured, interactive format that emphasizes both theoretical understanding and practical competence. The programme will utilize a blend of lectures, seminars, group discussions, hands-on workshops, and supervised practicums. Attendance and active participation are mandatory to ensure that all trainees gain the full benefit of the course content and activities.
The CCT is a professional, competency-based certificate programme. It integrates classroom-based learning with practical translation assignments, simulating real-world scenarios encountered by translators. The curriculum is aligned with international translation standards and emphasizes the development of key skills needed for success in both local and global contexts.
This programme is designed for:
The programme runs for twelve weeks on a full-time or part-time basis, totalling 72 contact hours, which includes face-to-face instruction, blended learning and a supervised practicum.
Upon successful completion, participants will be awarded the Certificate in Translation by the Association of Translators and Interpreters Uganda LTD in collaboration with the Centre for Language and Communication Services of Makerere University.
Tuition fees for the CCT are determined annually and cover instruction, course materials, and access to university resources. For the 2025 intake, the fee is UGX 2,500,000 (Two million five hundred thousand Uganda Shillings). A detailed fee schedule, including payment deadlines and any additional costs (such as examination or practicum fees), is available from the programme office.
To ensure participants are prepared for the professional rigor of the Certification Course in Translation (CCT), the following entry requirements, based on international best practices, must be met:
The Certification Course in Translation (CCT) employs a blended, practice-oriented approach to learning, featuring:
Online learning is on its way. Check back for dates and details.
Assessment in the CCT is designed to ensure the development and demonstration of both theoretical understanding and practical competence:
A minimum pass mark of 60% is required to qualify for certification.
Summative Certification Exam
Practicum / Translation Project
| Module / Title | Credit Units | Duration (Hours) |
|---|---|---|
| CCT1: Introduction to Translation & translation process | 1 | 6 |
| CCT2: Translation Theory, techniques & strategies | 1 | 6 |
| CCT3: Communication Skills | 1 | 6 |
| CCT4: Title to be confirmed | 1 | 6 |
| CCT5: Professional Development & Ethics View outline | 1 | 6 |
| CCT6: Audio-visual Translation | 1 | 6 |
| CCT7: Terminology & Specialized Translation View outline | 1 | 6 |
| CCT8: Translation Technologies | 1 | 6 |
| CCT9: Cross-cultural Communication & Untranslatability | 1 | 6 |
| CCT10: Revision, Editing & Quality Assurance | 1 | 6 |
| CCT11: Translation Practicum/Research Project | 2 | 12 |
| Total | 12 | 72 |
All modules in the Certification Course in Translation (CCT) are core and compulsory. There are no elective modules offered.
However, candidates who can demonstrate substantial prior training and professional experience in translation may apply to sit for a comprehensive certification examination without undertaking the full course. Approval for direct examination will be subject to a review of qualifications and relevant experience by the admissions committee.
About the Certification ExamSelect a module to see its description, objectives, learning outcomes, outline, and delivery.
This module provides an in-depth exploration of the ethical and professional landscape in which translators operate. It examines the standards, principles, and legal obligations that guide translators’ conduct in a rapidly evolving language services industry. Participants will study the significance of professional integrity, confidentiality, impartiality, and quality assurance. The module also emphasizes the importance of ongoing professional development, active participation in professional associations, and the role of mentorship and networking. By integrating case studies and real-world scenarios, the course develops participants’ ability to navigate ethical dilemmas and uphold professionalism in diverse work environments, including freelance, corporate, and institutional settings.
Upon successful completion, participants will be able to:
| Content | Duration (hours) |
|---|---|
Introduction to Professionalism in Translation
| 1 |
Codes of Ethics and Professional Standards
| 1 |
Legal and Regulatory Frameworks
| 1 |
Ethics in Practice: Case Studies and Common Dilemmas
| 1 |
Professional Associations, Networking, and Lifelong Learning
| 1 |
Guest Speaker/Workshop: Realities of the Profession
| 1 |
| Total | 6 |
Further readings, case studies, and real-world scenarios will be provided during the module to support practical engagement with professional ethics in translation.
This module introduces participants to the principles and practices of terminology management and specialized translation. It explores the unique challenges associated with translating subject-specific texts in areas such as law, medicine, technology, business, and science. Emphasis is placed on the acquisition, standardization, and consistent use of terminology, as well as the tools and resources required for effective terminology management. The course guides learners through the processes of analyzing, researching, and translating specialized texts while adhering to professional standards of accuracy and clarity.
Upon completion of this module, participants will be able to:
| Content | Duration (hours) |
|---|---|
Introduction to Terminology
| 2 |
Terminology Management
| 1 |
Tools and Resources for Terminology Work
| 1 |
Specialized Translation: Concepts and Challenges
| 1 |
Strategies for Specialized Translation
| 1 |
Practical Workshop: Translating Specialized Texts
| 1 |
| Total | 7 |
A detailed fee schedule, including payment deadlines and any additional costs, is available from the programme office.
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