First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of East African Affairs, Rebbecca Alitwala Kadaga, emphasized the importance of embracing the presidential skilling hubs in a recent event held at the Busoga Zonal Presidential Industrial Hub in Jinja city . Kadaga highlighted their potential to address unemployment issues not only in Busoga but across the nation.
During the event, Kadaga commended the President for initiating the skilling program, recognizing its transformative impact on youths who are now becoming job creators. She expressed gratitude to the State House for efficiently managing the hubs to realize the President’s vision.
Addressing the graduates, Kadaga urged them to remain active and utilize their newly acquired skills for income generation rather than engaging in unproductive activities like gambling. She emphasized the significance of collaboration, encouraging graduates to form groups and leverage each other’s skills to establish businesses.
The vocational training, spanning various disciplines including bakery, tailoring, hairdressing, construction, and metal fabrication, attracted participants from 11 districts within the region. Kadaga praised the diversity in course selection, noting the interest of both genders in traditionally male or female-dominated fields.
Kadaga also pledged support for the graduates, promising to provide sewing machines and workspace to facilitate their entrepreneurial endeavors. Milly Babalanda, the Minister for Presidency, echoed Kadaga’s sentiments, emphasizing the timely nature of the skilling program amidst rising youth unemployment.
The Director of Presidential Projects and Industrial Hubs at State House, Eng. Raymond Kamugisha, reiterated the President’s commitment to empowering youths with employable skills. He revealed plans for the Uganda Peoples Defense Forces to employ skilled youth in various sectors, ensuring a minimum monthly income.
With close to 10,000 youths already skilled across 19 hubs nationwide, the initiative has garnered significant support from MPs and local leaders. Brandon Kintu, a Member of Parliament, assured continued support for the skilling hubs, recognizing their role in combating unemployment.
Ezra Gabula, Chairperson of the hub zonal management committee, lauded President Museveni for prioritizing vocational skills training. He urged the government to expand facilities and increase enrollment to meet the growing demand for vocational education.
The ceremony concluded with testimonials from graduates, highlighting the positive impact of the skilling program on their lives. With the support of government initiatives like the skilling hubs, Uganda aims to empower its youth and foster economic growth.
