The State House Comptroller, Jane Barekye, has affirmed that the Presidential Initiative on Skilling the Girl and Boy Child (PISGBC) is designed to benefit all needy individuals in Kampala city, irrespective of their political affiliations. Addressing concerns about politicization, Barekye emphasized the non-partisan nature of the project, stressing that it aims to empower all Ugandans without discrimination based on political or religious beliefs.
Speaking at the showcasing ceremony held at Mutundwe Skilling Centre in Rubaga Division, Barekye reiterated the inclusive ethos of the initiative. She highlighted similar events taking place across eight skilling centres in Kampala, offering courses in various fields such as tailoring, knitting, shoe making, hairdressing, bakery, and catering.
During the ceremony, students showcased their skills and products, demonstrating the effectiveness of the training provided at the centres. With 331 girls and 73 boys completing their courses, the event marked their readiness for final exams and highlighted their potential for future employment and entrepreneurship.
Barekye expressed gratitude to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for spearheading the initiative, which has significantly impacted the lives of vulnerable youth. She commended the students for their dedication and encouraged them to uphold discipline and hard work, emphasizing their role as ambassadors of the President’s project.
Furthermore, Barekye urged parents to support their children in leveraging their skills to establish enterprises, thereby contributing to their economic empowerment. She also extended appreciation to Rev. Stephen Lumu and other church leaders for hosting the skilling project, pledging to expand course offerings for boys to utilize available resources effectively.
In her remarks, Kampala Resident City Commissioner, Ms. Aminah Lukanga, lauded the students’ achievements and encouraged community support by purchasing products made by the skilling centre graduates. Lukanga emphasized the importance of inclusivity and recommended the enrollment of vulnerable children from Kampala in future intakes.
Dr. Faith Mirembe Katana, the Special Presidential Assistant on Skilling and Education, echoed Barekye’s sentiments, acknowledging President Museveni’s commitment to youth empowerment. She emphasized the project’s transformative impact on the lives of troubled youth, urging parents to nurture and guide their children towards positive citizenship.
As part of the initiative, the PISGBC project incorporates extracurricular subjects like patriotism, aimed at instilling a sense of national pride and identity among students.
