More than 1,000 youth across Kisoro District have been awarded Directorate of Industrial Training (DIT) certificates through PUCAID Uganda, in a drive aimed at equipping locals with practical skills to combat rising unemployment.
The graduation ceremony, held on Friday at PUCAID offices in Central Division, Kisoro Municipality, was made possible through the lobbying efforts of Dr. Leo Mfitimana, an aspiring Member of Parliament for Kisoro Municipality.
PUCAID Uganda, founded in 2019 under the directive of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, is committed to transitioning Ugandans into the money economy through hands-on skills training. The graduates received certification in diverse fields such as modern farming, cattle and piggery rearing, among others, all approved and recommended by the Ministry of Education and Sports.
Speaking to our reporter, several beneficiaries expressed gratitude, noting that the skills and certification would not only pave the way for self-employment but also enhance their eligibility for jobs in both the public and private sectors. They said the initiative was timely and crucial in improving their standards of living through sustainable income-generating activities.
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Dr. Mfitimana highlighted that the program aligns with the government’s strategy of promoting vocational and practical skills across the country. He emphasized that with adequate training in fields like agriculture, animal husbandry, tailoring, and others, Ugandans can create their own employment rather than waiting for white-collar jobs.
“The aim is to empower people with hands-on knowledge, allowing them to utilize available resources for income generation,” he said. “This is a sustainable way to lift our communities out of poverty.”
He further unveiled plans to mobilize the graduates into organized groups and cooperatives that can collectively bid for contracts from factories, industries, and private ventures, including sweater-making and other value-added enterprises to ensure economic development in the area.
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