Pader leaders call for vocational training to address shortage of skilled workers

24 October 2026, 8:11 am

By Geoffrey Okwong

Pader District leaders have called for greater investment in vocational training to equip young people with practical skills and address shortages of skilled workers in the local construction sector.

The remarks were made on Wednesday during a joint inspection of the Shs850 million Northern Uganda Medical Mission (NUMEM) Hospital outpatient department block under construction in Owilkitiko Village, Kineni Parish, Pukor Sub-county, Pader District.

Northern Uganda Medical Mission (NUMEM) Hospital outpatient department block, where project officials said retaining skilled workers had been a challenge during construction.

Dawkins Kolo, the site’s engineer, said some workers left the construction site after only a few days to attend to their gardens, creating difficulties for the team in maintaining a consistent workforce.

He urged leaders to encourage young people to pursue vocational training so that they could acquire practical skills and take up technical jobs in their communities.

Kolo said construction projects needed workers with the right training and commitment to carry out specialised tasks rather than relying mainly on casual labour.

Esther Lalam, the Female Councillor for Lunyiri Sub-county and Secretary for Works, Production and Technical Services in Pader District Local Government, supported the call, saying communities needed to take vocational education seriously.

Lalam said leaders had a responsibility to encourage parents and young people to recognise the value of practical training and develop skills that could create employment opportunities.

She commended NUMEM’s director and the project’s donor for supporting the development of the hospital facility.

Lalam also urged the district to provide support to projects that improve healthcare delivery in the area.

Catherine Amony, representing the Chief Administrative Officer of Pader District, similarly encouraged NUMEM to consider opportunities for medical interns and collaboration with local training institutions as the hospital expands its services.

She said partnerships with universities could help build the skills of future health professionals while strengthening service delivery.

The NUMEM OPD block, which the organisation says has cost Shs850 million, is expected to be opened in November 2026, subject to completion of outstanding work and the necessary approvals.

The site’s engineer estimated that the project was between 90 and 95 per cent complete, with the final power supply arrangement and other connections still to be addressed.

The district engineer, Benedict Lubang, said the facility would also need to meet fire safety and other applicable requirements before an occupancy permit could be issued.

The leaders said practical training and cooperation between communities, government and private organisations would be important in supporting local development and improving access to essential services.