KWEEN DISTRICT, UGANDA — President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni launched the Sebei Zonal Presidential Industrial Hub in Kween District, marking the final activity of his three-day wealth creation and Parish Development Model (PDM) performance assessment tour in the Sebei sub-region.
The hub, one of 19 constructed across the country, aims to equip over 12,000 youths annually with practical skills to improve their livelihoods and contribute to Uganda’s economic growth.
During the launch, Museveni emphasized the importance of decentralizing Savings and Credit Cooperative Organizations (SACCOs) for better accessibility and providing financial support for graduates to foster local economic growth.
“I am glad you have formed SACCOs. We are going to put money there. However, these SACCOs should be established at the district level because the current zonal arrangement is too far for many people,” Museveni said.
He noted that this initiative aims to provide financial support for graduates and foster local economic growth. For graduates, Museveni announced plans to introduce common user facilities to enhance productivity.
“We will start with big machines, like cutters which cannot be placed in every district. These facilities will be shared to ensure maximum benefit,” Museveni remarked, emphasizing the government’s resolve to equip the youths with tools for economic transformation.
Museveni reiterated the government’s commitment to offering free education through the Universal Primary Education (UPE) and Universal Secondary Education (USE) programs.
“Charging school fees in government schools is a crime. It forces children out of school. That’s why we are providing free education through hubs. These hubs are expensive to maintain because students come from far away, and we must provide meals and accommodation,” he added.
Museveni urged communities to embrace the concept of free education, emphasizing that schools should be located closer to homes to reduce costs associated with boarding and meals.
“We want a government secondary school in every sub-county, all as day schools. This reduces costs to only paying teachers and buying books,” he explained.
Reflecting on the journey of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), Museveni spoke passionately about economic transformation and addressing historical inequalities.
“In colonial times, only a few elites benefitted. The masses were left out. But from the beginning, we said, ‘We want prosperity for all – Boona Bagaggawale.’ We emphasized four sectors for wealth creation: agriculture, industries, services, and ICT,” he stated.
Museveni encouraged Ugandans to engage in commercial agriculture with proper planning (ekibaro) and diversify into sectors such as dairy farming, coffee, fruits, and poultry.
“Planting maize or cotton on a small scale cannot generate sustainable income. Instead, focus on ventures like coffee, fruits, and dairy cattle. For those near wetlands, fish farming is another viable option,” he advised.
Kisos Abdi Fadhil Chemaswet, Member of Parliament for Soi Constituency, commended Museveni for his unwavering commitment to transforming the Sebei region.
“Your Excellency, you have given us security in this area, ensuring that our communities live and thrive in peace. You have also supported the irrigation scheme in Nyenye, which is a lifeline for our agricultural productivity,” Chemaswet remarked.
Chemaswet highlighted the positive impact of the government’s initiatives on the lives of the people, especially in combating poverty and improving skills.
“This industrial hub is a beacon of hope for the youths and women of Sebei. It is an opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute to the country’s economy,” he added.
Chemaswet further urged the local communities to embrace the project wholeheartedly and utilize the skills acquired to transform their lives.
Justine Yeko, Commercial Officer for Kapchorwa District, lauded the hub’s impact on the community, emphasizing its role in empowering youth and driving local development.
“This hub is the best testimony of socio-economic transformation. Since its inception, the hub has taken on a total of 912 youth, 470 girls and 442 boys, many of whom have gained skills that are already changing their lives. The hub has also created 37 direct jobs, contributing significantly to wealth creation in the region.”
Yeko added that the facility offers free training in skills such as carpentry, tailoring, welding, and other trades.
“Students are provided with free accommodations, and the staff at the hub receive competitive wages.”
Yeko also hailed the Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) for enhancing the hub’s safety, ensuring a secure environment for both trainees and staff.
She highlighted the participation of parents from Kapchorwa, Kween, and Bukwo Districts in supporting the hub’s programs.
“By embracing the Buy Uganda Build Uganda (BUBU) initiative, we’re reducing reliance on imports and ensuring our people have the tools to create locally made products that meet national needs,” Yeko noted.
The Sebei Zonal Presidential Industrial Hub is part of the government’s efforts to promote economic growth and development in the region. The hub offers vocational training in various practical skills and trades, including welding, baking, tailoring, and carpentry.
The hub’s establishment is expected to have a positive impact on the local community, providing employment opportunities and promoting economic empowerment among the youth.
