Over 500 Graduates Passed out at Acholi Zonal Presidential Industrial Hub

Last updated: April 22, 2024 9:31 am

Dr. Kenneth Omona, the Minister of State for Northern Uganda, recently presided over a significant event – the graduation ceremony of 584 students who completed vocational training at the Acholi Zonal Presidential Industrial Hub in Gulu district. This ceremony marks a milestone in the government’s effort to empower youth and equip them with practical skills to join the workforce and contribute to the economy.

Under the Presidential Initiative to address unemployment, the government has established a total of 19 regional Industrial hubs across the country. These hubs serve as centers for vocational training, offering various disciplines to young people seeking to transition from job seekers to job creators.

Initiated by President Museveni, the industrial hubs represent a significant investment in Uganda’s youth, aimed at reducing unemployment levels. Each hub, managed by the State House, is designed to admit 300 unemployed youths per semester, with a goal of accommodating over 7,000 individuals annually. The curriculum emphasizes practical skills in fields such as tailoring and carpentry, providing learners with valuable expertise for employment and entrepreneurship.

According to Mr. Raymond Kamugisha, the director of presidential projects and industrial hubs, 12 State House industrial hubs in different parts of the country fully operationalized in 2023. These hubs are envisioned as key centers for transforming the lives of Ugandans by offering comprehensive training and support to aspiring entrepreneurs and skilled workers.

Youths enrolled in the skilling program reside at the hubs and undergo a six-month training period, during which they receive hands-on instruction and mentorship. The industrial hubs, strategically located in districts like Gulu, Lira, Mbarara, and Mbale, provide accessible opportunities for young people from diverse regions to acquire valuable skills and pursue meaningful careers.

Addressing newly-appointed hub managers during a leadership training session, State House Comptroller Jane Barekye emphasized the importance of innovation and ethical conduct in achieving the objectives of the skilling program. She urged managers to maintain discipline among learners and uphold the program’s integrity, emphasizing the critical role of youth empowerment in poverty alleviation and national development.

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