President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has pledged to introduce new courses at Presidential Industrial Hubs to equip more youth with practical skills for employment and wealth creation.
While commissioning the Lango Presidential Skilling Hub in Lira District, Museveni commended parents for embracing the initiative. He announced plans to introduce motor mechanics, plumbing, and electrical installation courses to widen training opportunities.
“I’m glad that parents have responded well to this initiative. We are going to expand the skills here to include motor mechanics, plumbing, and electric installation so that the children have a bigger base of skills,” Museveni said.
The 19 hubs under the Presidential Initiative on Skilling the Youth currently offer training in building and construction, carpentry, welding, hairdressing, baking, tailoring, leatherwork, and agriculture. They target skilling over 12,000 youth annually.
Museveni also urged education officials to incorporate practical skills into primary and secondary school curricula. “If you appreciate what is happening here, go and spread it out in the primary and secondary schools,” he said.
However, he criticized schools that impose extra charges on students, undermining Universal Primary Education (UPE) and Universal Secondary Education (USE). He blamed school fees for increased dropout rates.
“We wanted children of the poor to study for free in government schools, but you did not implement it. You went on introducing charges, and many children dropped out. That mistake must be stopped,” Museveni stated.
He reiterated that each parish should have a primary school and each sub-county a secondary school to enable children to study from home, reducing costs while the government funds teachers and infrastructure.
To support skilled graduates, Museveni pledged financial support through district-based SACCOs. He donated UGX 30 million to three outstanding trainees and another UGX 30 million to the SACCO for regional chairpersons.
Vice President Jessica Alupo welcomed Museveni and the First Lady, Minister of Education and Sports Janet Museveni, reaffirming the government’s commitment to wealth creation and prosperity.
“There’s no doubt that the NRM under your leadership is honoring the promises to Ugandans,” Alupo said, citing government programs such as Emyooga, the Youth Livelihood Program, and the Parish Development Model.
Lango Regional Skilling Hub Chairperson George Abudul reported that the hub serves 11 administrative units, training 243 youth every six months, including 30 from ghetto communities. Since inception, 910 youth, including 453 women, have graduated.
“With most jobs in the private sector, I thank you for establishing these hubs to close the skills gap and prepare young people for employment,” Abudul said. He requested the President to increase the intake from 240 to 500 due to high demand.
The ceremony was attended by ministers, MPs, Lira University Vice Chancellor Prof. Jasper Ogwal Okeng, RDCs, LC5 chairpersons, district leaders, and youth representatives.
