MASINDI, Uganda — President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni commissioned the Bunyoro Zonal Presidential Skilling Hub on Thursday, reaffirming his commitment to youth empowerment through vocational training.
Museveni described the initiative as part of waking up Africa from economic slumber. He tasked the populace to understand the government’s cause to establish zonal hubs as a catalyst for empowering youths and turning them into productive human resources.
“The initiative is part of our efforts to wake up Africa from economic slumber,” Museveni said. “We must skill our people to produce what we consume.”
The president also instructed administrators of Zonal Skilling Industrial Hubs to increase the number of programs taught to students as demand for skilling programs increases. He highlighted Uganda’s transition from exporting raw hides and skins to producing leather products locally, citing the Kawumu Tannery Factory as a success story.
Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja described the skilling hub initiative as a top priority under Uganda’s National Development Goals.
“Once students acquire skills, they will not only create their own jobs but also employ others, thus strengthening the country’s economy,” Nabbanja said.
First Lady Janet Museveni, who is also the minister of Education and Sports, thanked her husband for the initiative, emphasizing that skills development has the potential to trigger economic growth.
“Skills development has the potential to trigger economic growth, because of its ability to accommodate formal and non-formal training for the people,” she said.
Janet Museveni also called upon all able-bodied Ugandans to take advantage of the opportunity provided to acquire knowledge and skills to benefit themselves and their communities.
The Bunyoro Zonal Presidential Skilling Hub has already graduated 893 students in various trades, including bakery, brick-making, hairdressing, welding, and tailoring. Beneficiaries of the program shared their success stories, highlighting how the skills they acquired have enabled them to secure contracts, start their own businesses, and sustain their families.
Zonal hub Chairperson Cosmas Byaruhunga commended the initiative, but pointed out transport challenges faced by students attending the hub.
Tibareka Granimer, who studied building and construction, said his certificate had enabled him to secure contracts which have enabled him to make ends meet. Kobusinge Amanya, a tailoring graduate, revealed that she used 350,000 shillings to start her own business, earning 50,000 shillings daily, which now sustains her family.
