President Museveni commissions Bunyoro skilling hub, supports youth empowerment

21 March 2025, 1:05 pm

By Sarah Ejang

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has today reaffirmed his commitment to youth empowerment through vocational training.

According to the President, skilling is crucial to Uganda’s economic transformation.

Speaking at the commissioning of the Bunyoro Zonal Presidential Skilling Hub in KiryanaMyebanyakalongo village, Kimengo sub County, Masindi district, the President described the initiative as part of awakening Africa from economic slumber.

President Museveni also urged the public to understand the government’s efforts to establish zonal hubs as a catalyst for empowering youths and transforming them into a productive human resource.

He further instructed the administrators of Zonal Skilling Industrial Hubs to expand the range of programmes offered to students, as the demand for skilling programmes continues to grow.

On the other hand, President Museveni highlighted Uganda’s transition from exporting raw hides and skins to producing leather products locally, citing the Kawumu Tannery Factory as a success story.

“Previously, we were exporting raw hides, which were turned into shoes and belts abroad. Now, with Kawumu, we are processing our own leather, and the Bunyoro Skilling Hub is using it to make shoes. This is how we wake up as Ugandans,” he said.

The President also criticised the misuse of Universal Primary and Secondary Education (UPE and USE) by some headteachers and parents, which he said had undermined its effectiveness.

He urged leaders to reinstate free education policies at both primary and secondary levels, ensuring that vulnerable children have access to learning opportunities.

To support youth in self-employment, the President announced that the government would inject funds into District SACCOs, enabling young people to borrow startup capital for business ventures.

The 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 their own jobs but also employ others, thus strengthening the country’s economy.

The First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Museveni, thanked President Museveni for the great initiative, which has enabled many young people to gain skills in various disciplines.

She explained that once skilled, the youth not only engage in gainful employment but also create employment for themselves and others, thereby contributing to the welfare of their families and society.

“And so, as we commission this Youth Skilling Hub, we cannot forget to thank God for making this initiative possible because unless He builds a house, we, the labourers, labour in vain,” she said.

“Human capital development is vital in our quest to evolve from a peasant to a modern and prosperous country. Therefore, the skilling of our young population remains a top priority. This is why every effort is being made to provide skilling opportunities in every part of the country as resources become available.”

The First Lady further noted that skills development has the potential to trigger economic growth, due to its ability to accommodate both formal and non-formal training.

“Those who drop out of formal education still have an opportunity to maximise their potential. In addition to the many opportunities that the Government offers through our formal education programmes in the Technical, Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Institutions that are spread across the country, this Presidential Initiative provides an opportunity for vulnerable youth in our communities who may not afford to attend the formal school system for various reasons,” she said.

“I believe that as we continue on this path, the Government will be able to equip its human resource for a productive economy, as well as reduce youth unemployment in our country. For a country endowed with both human and natural resources, our focus should be to equip our human resource with the necessary skills in order to unlock our productivity as a nation.”

Maama Janet also called upon all able-bodied Ugandans to take advantage of the opportunity to acquire knowledge and skills to benefit themselves and their communities.

“With the enactment of the TVET Act 2025, the Ministry of Education and Sports will now be able to regulate programmes like these, ensuring they benefit our people while aligning with the intentions of the Government,” she urged.

“I therefore urge the management of this programme to ensure that the provisions of the TVET Act are adhered to. It is important to note at this point the merger of the Directorate of Industrial Training (DIT) with the Uganda Business and Technical Examinations Board (UBTEB) to form one assessment body for TVET, named the Uganda Vocational and Technical Assessment Board. Going forward, this will be the body responsible for assessing these programmes.”

Furthermore, Maama Janet reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting the Presidential Initiative.

“We are available to work alongside you as you serve our people through this skilling hub.”

The Zonal Hub Chairperson, Mr. Byaruhunga Cosmas, commended the initiative, noting that the hub has already graduated 893 students in trades such as bakery, brick-making, hairdressing, welding, and tailoring. However, he pointed out the transport challenges faced by students attending the hub.

At the same event, several beneficiaries shared their success stories.

Tibareka Granimer, who studied building and construction, said his certificate had enabled him to secure contracts, helping him to make ends meet.

Kobusinge Amanya, a tailoring graduate, revealed that she used Shs 350,000 to start her own business, earning Shs 50,000 daily, which now sustains her family.