Summary:
- “I am not here to enlist youths for the MK Project. The MK Project already encompasses over 21 million young individuals. It’s not a political entity but a civic organization focused on patriotism and love for our country. I urge everyone to join. As a Minister, my priority is tackling the challenges faced by our youth,” stated Barugahara during his address to journalists at Parliament following his vetting by the Appointments Committee.
KAMPALA: Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi, the newly appointed Minister of State for Youth and Children has emphasized that his role in the Cabinet is not about recruiting youths for the Muhoozi Kainerugaba Project, but rather about addressing the pervasive issue of youth unemployment in Uganda.
“I am not here to enlist youths for the MK Project. The MK Project already encompasses over 21 million young individuals. It’s not a political entity but a civic organization focused on patriotism and love for our country. I urge everyone to join. As a Minister, my priority is tackling the challenges faced by our youth,” stated Barugahara during his address to journalists at Parliament following his vetting by the Appointments Committee.
He emphasized a shift in approach towards youth skill development. Instead of the conventional training in trades like chapatti making and bricklaying, Barugahara advocated for tailored skill offerings based on regional specialties.
“In my tenure, youths will have the opportunity to choose their preferred skill sets,” he asserted. Barugahara highlighted the stark reality that a significant portion of Uganda’s youth population is unskilled, uneducated, and unemployed, with only a small fraction possessing relevant skills.
“My advocacy will focus on skill development. However, we needn’t train everyone in generic trades. Each region has its strengths; for instance, Karamoja’s wealth lies in minerals, so mining will be emphasized there. Bunyoro’s oil resources call for a focus on oil and gas, while Buganda’s expertise in coffee farming will be nurtured,” he explained.
In a separate development, Lillian Aber, the newly appointed Minister of State for Relief and Disaster Preparedness and also the Kitgum District Woman Member of Parliament, expressed her gratitude for the appointment and pledged unwavering commitment to serving Ugandans.
“I am honored and excited to have been chosen for this responsibility. It’s a demonstration of trust, but it also comes with a challenge to deliver effectively. Rest assured, we will prioritize service delivery with utmost dedication,” Aber affirmed. She reiterated her readiness to tackle the demanding tasks within her ministry, stressing her proactive approach to disaster management and relief efforts.
Anita Annet Among, Speaker of the Parliament of the Republic of Uganda, confirmed that the Appointments Committee had vetted the President’s nominees for Cabinet positions. She assured that the committee’s report would be submitted to the appropriate authority in accordance with parliamentary procedures.
