President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has underscored the critical role of human capital development in driving Uganda’s economic transformation. He made these remarks while commissioning the Bugisu Zonal Presidential Industrial Hub in Lukhonge village, Mbale district.
The President emphasized education and health as essential pillars for human capital growth. “Education can improve a person’s chances of getting a job and earning more money. It can also help people develop the skills they need to be productive in the labor market. Good health is equally important; when people are healthy, they can be more productive,” Museveni said.
He expressed concern over the rising number of school dropouts, particularly in government-aided schools. He attributed this to teachers charging additional fees despite receiving salaries and textbooks from the government. “In Bukedi, 80% of the children are school dropouts because they were asked to pay school fees in government-aided schools,” Museveni said, adding that this practice undermines Universal Primary Education (UPE) and Universal Secondary Education (USE) programs initiated in 1996 and 2007, respectively.
The President commended the industrial hub’s skilling program, noting that it economically empowers beneficiaries within six months of training. He predicted that the program would soon reduce Uganda's reliance on imported items such as shoes, bags, belts, and furniture.
During the event, Museveni inspected products made by trainees and listened to testimonials from beneficiaries of the program. He awarded Shs.10 million in startup capital to three beneficiaries: Mugaya Francis, Mayafu Abdurahim, and Namono Hanna. The beneficiaries expressed gratitude to the President for providing free training and empowering them economically.
The President urged the beneficiaries to establish Savings and Credit Cooperative Organizations (SACCOs) in their districts to facilitate access to government startup funds.
The hub manager, Waniala Phillip, revealed that the facility has trained 938 individuals across four intakes. He noted that the hub offers seven courses: carpentry, welding, hairdressing, leather processing, bakery, tailoring, and building and construction.
Distinguished guests at the event included government ministers, Members of Parliament, His Highness Jude Mike Mudoma, the Umukhukha III of the Bamasaba Cultural Institution, Resident District Commissioners, Chief Administrative Officers, Town Clerks, and parents of the program beneficiaries.
