Summary:
President Museveni urged administrators of the Zonal Skilling Industrial Hubs to expand the range of programs offered to meet the growing demand for vocational training.
MASINDI: President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has reaffirmed his commitment to youth empowerment through vocational training, emphasizing that skilling is key to Uganda’s economic transformation.
Speaking at the commissioning of the Bunyoro Zonal Presidential Skilling Hub in Kiryana Myebanyakalongo Village, Kimengo Sub County, Masindi District on Thursday, the President described the initiative as a crucial step in awakening Africa from economic slumber. He underscored the importance of zonal hubs in empowering youth and transforming them into a productive workforce.
President Museveni urged administrators of the Zonal Skilling Industrial Hubs to expand the range of programs offered to meet the growing demand for vocational training. He also highlighted Uganda’s shift from exporting raw hides and skins to producing leather products locally, citing the Kawumu Tannery Factory as a success story.
“Previously, we exported raw hides, which were processed into shoes and belts abroad. Now, with Kawumu, we are producing our own leather, and the Bunyoro Skilling Hub is using it to make shoes. This is how we awaken as Ugandans,” he said.
The President criticized the misuse of Universal Primary and Secondary Education (UPE and USE) by some head teachers and parents, stating that it had undermined its effectiveness. He urged leaders to reinstate free education policies at both primary and secondary levels to ensure that vulnerable children have access to learning opportunities.
To support youth self-employment, President Museveni announced that the government would inject funds into District SACCOs, enabling young people to borrow startup capital for business ventures.
Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja described the skilling hub initiative as a top priority under Uganda’s National Development Goals. She noted that once students acquire skills, they will not only create jobs for themselves but also employ others, thereby strengthening the economy.
First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Museveni, thanked the President for the initiative, which has equipped many young people with valuable skills. She emphasized that skilling enables youth to engage in gainful employment and create job opportunities, benefiting their families and society.
“As we commission this Youth Skilling Hub, we must thank God for making this initiative possible. Human capital development is essential in our quest to evolve from a peasant to a modern and prosperous country. Every effort is being made to expand skilling opportunities across the country as resources become available,” she said.
Maama Janet highlighted the potential of skills development to drive economic growth by accommodating both formal and non-formal training.
“Those who drop out of formal education still have an opportunity to maximize their potential. In addition to the many opportunities offered through our formal education programs in Technical, Vocational, Education, and Training (TVET) institutions, this Presidential Initiative provides an alternative for vulnerable youth who may not afford formal schooling,” she explained.
She expressed confidence that the government’s continued investment in skilling programs would enhance human resource productivity and reduce youth unemployment. She also called on Ugandans to seize available opportunities to acquire skills that will benefit themselves and their communities.
“With the enactment of the TVET Act 2025, the Ministry of Education and Sports will now regulate programs like these to ensure they align with government objectives,” she stated. She urged program administrators to adhere to the provisions of the TVET Act, noting that the Directorate of Industrial Training (DIT) has merged with the Uganda Business and Technical Examinations Board (UBTEB) to form the Uganda Vocational and Technical Assessment Board, which will now oversee assessments.
Maama Janet reaffirmed the government’s support for the Presidential Initiative, saying, “We are here to support you as you serve our people through this skilling hub.”
The Zonal Hub Chairperson, Byaruhunga Cosmas, praised the initiative, revealing that the hub has already graduated 893 students in trades such as bakery, brick-making, hairdressing, welding, and tailoring. However, he pointed out that transport challenges remain an obstacle for some students attending the hub.
