In 2017, State House Uganda under the President’s directive, started a project of skilling boy and girl children with the aim of empowering underprivileged young people with various basic skills in Tailoring, Weaving, Embroidery, Knitting, Shoe making, Hairdressing, Bakery, Confectionery, Plumbing, among others
The President then established several industrial hubs aimed at providing them with opportunities to gain hands-on experience and develop practical skills. These hubs are designed to provide technical and vocational training to young people, equipping them with the necessary skills for the job market.
The Industrial Hubs skilling program has been embraced by many and more youth have been encouraged to take part in it. It is free of charge, students don’t pay fees, and four meals are provided within a day because the Government of Uganda has catered for the welfare. The duration of the courses is five to six months.
They are skilling the youth on hands-on practices that they can use in their respective areas & earn something for themselves. Zonal Industrial Hubs is one of the best ways of bringing the youth into the money economy hence the socio-economic transformation of regions and the whole nation.
So far, 20 Regional Industrial Hubs are operational in Kayunga, Mubende, Masaka, Ankole, Kabale, Kasese, Ntoroko, Kyenjojo, Masindi, Zombo, Adjumani, Gulu, Soroti, Lira, Napak, Kwen, Mbale, Kibuku, Jinja, Tooro and Kampala.
Because of his keen eyesight, these skilling hubs have now played a significant role in skilling the youth and equipping them with the necessary skills for employment and self-employment. They have contributed to the reduction of youth unemployment and poverty in Uganda by providing young people with practical skills that are in high demand in the job market.
Upon graduation, some of the students are provided with employment opportunities where possible, such as being incorporated as training staff or assistant instructors. Those not incorporated are given opportunities to exhibit their potential through in-house assignments, like construction, plumbing, welding, tailoring, and repairs among others, where the need arises. This not only assures them of a livelihood but also contributes to the national economy.
Uganda and Africa at large have been facing a problem of unemployment, especially among the youth. With such skilling programs, President Museveni was looking for a long-term solution to this chronic problem. We may not be where we want to be but we are at least moving a number of steps forward. Those opposing Gen Museveni have for long pegged Uganda’s failure of fast social-economic transformation to the increasing number of unemployed youths. As a government led by a visionary President, it was taken as a positive criticism that needed to be worked on. I can only encourage people especially young people to take advantage of these fruitful projects by joining them. We may have different political ideologies and favourite candidates but poverty knows no political party you belong to. As the Luganda proverb goes ” Ebizibu tebimanya Nyumba Mbi” literally means problems do not know a poor home, such a statement should always echo in the minds of our young people.
The Presidential Initiative for Skilling the Youth is thus more than just a training program; it is an investment in the future of Uganda. It addresses the critical issue of youth unemployment, promotes self-reliance, and contributes to national development. As the youths of today are the leaders of tomorrow, this initiative is indeed a step forward towards a modern, skilled, and prosperous Uganda.
I want to use this opportunity to thank the Statehouse comptroller Ms. Jane Barekye and her team for working tirelessly to see that the vision of the President is implemented in helping the young people through these skilling initiatives. She has been very supportive and always a phone call away when her services are needed. Uganda can only move forward through collective efforts.
For God and my Country
By Hon Ruth Katushabe,
Senior Presidential Advisor on Political Affairs and Translation
