By Kenneth Musiimenta
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has revealed that Uganda’s true path to liberation lies not just in politics but also in technology, skills and practical education.
He made the remarks today while launching the Presidential Zonal Industrial Hub in Ntoroko District.
President Museveni, said the skilling hubs are instrumental, especially to the youth from poor families who didn’t get a chance to attain Education elsewhere. He said the hubs are fully free of charge and provide accommodation, meals, medical care, and hands-on training.
He also reflected on the government’s earlier education reforms, pointing out that since the introduction of Universal Primary Education (UPE) in 1997, followed by Universal Secondary Education (USE), some leaders failed to implement them effectively.
Museveni criticized some local leaders and school administrators for charging fees in government schools despite the government’s directive for free education.
The President also called on leaders and religious institutions to repent for mistakes that denied poor children education, urging a renewed national focus on constructing more schools, hiring more teachers, and delivering on NRM’s education vision.
The Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa commended President Museveni for the establishment of Presidential Zonal Industrial Hubs, describing them as a game-changer in the fight against youth unemployment and rural poverty.
The Deputy Speaker, said the program is filling a critical gap by offering practical skills to young Ugandans, especially those from vulnerable communities. He pledged Parliament’s continued support for the initiative, noting that the testimonies from graduates reflect the program’s real impact.
William Kasoro, the Zonal Chairperson for the Presidential Industrial Skilling Hub lauded the President for establishing the hub in the region, saying it has sparked a critical shift from subsistence living to income-generating activities among the youth.
He revealed that the current intake consists of 897 learners, with 378 girls and 519 boys, all drawn from Bundibugyo District , Ntoroko District, and Fort Portal City. He commended the diversity and inclusiveness of the program, which also supports learners with free accommodation, training, and startup capital.
He further highlighted key directives issued by the President, including; Increasing the number of instructors from 240 to 400 to meet growing demand, expanding accommodation to match the rise in student enrolment, introducing new courses such as weaving, plumbing, automobile mechanics, and electrical installation to widen the skill set of trainees.
Ms. Christine Sanyu from Bundibugyo first learned about the skilling opportunity through a local radio station announcement. She applied through the district office, and she was admitted for a course in hairdressing.
Starting with savings as little as Shs 2,000, Christine said that she gradually invested in her dream and today, she owns a salon and employs others, evidence of how even modest beginnings can lead to success when matched with the right skills.
She attributed her progress to the Presidential initiative, saying it gave her the practical knowledge and confidence to run her own business.
