The King (Omusinga) of Rwenzururu Kingdom, His Majesty, Charles Wesley Mumbere, has praised President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for providing marketable vocational skills to community youngsters in order to combat unemployment.
“I would want to thank His Excellency President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for this initiative. Our youth have benefited and will continue to benefit from this organization. This Skilling Hub invites students without regard for their academic background. It is my heartfelt plea to His Excellency to enlarge this Skilling Hub so that more learners can be admitted at once,” Omusinga Mumbere stated.
His Majesty Mumbere, joined by his wife Her Royal Highness Nyabaghole Agnes Ithungu Asimawe, delivered the remarks today during the graduation ceremony at the Rwenzori Presidential Industrial Zonal Hub in Mubuku, Kasese district.
A total of 466 students from the second (235) and third (231) intakes completed their vocational training and received certificates in seven (7) employable vocational disciplines: tailoring and design, hairdressing and makeup, building and construction practice, carpentry and joinery, welding and metal fabrications, bakery and confectionery, and leather processing (shoe making).
“I express my heartfelt congratulations to everyone who has finished their skilling journey at our Presidential Skilling Hub. Today is a watershed moment not only for you, but also for our community and country as a whole. As you leave this institution and enter the real world, may you continue to study, grow, and make a difference wherever your journey takes you.
The future is bright, and I am confident that you will shine brightly wherever you go,” the Omusinga continued, adding that he has always believed in the potential of education and skill development to change people’s lives and lift communities.
“Your participation here today demonstrates that education is truly the key to unlocking limitless potential and crafting a brighter future. You have faced numerous trials, made sacrifices, and had moments of doubt along the way. However, through patience, devotion, and hard work, you overcame every obstacle in your path,” he continued.
The Omusinga expressed gratitude to the facility, personnel, and mentors at the Presidential Skilling Hub for their unwavering support and dedication to the growth and development of the youngsters in their care. He encouraged graduates to embody the virtues of integrity, endurance, and resilience.
“These virtues will guide you through life’s complications and help you achieve your goals. I encourage you to seize any opportunity that comes your way with enthusiasm and passion. Dare to dream large, and never be afraid to take on new challenges. Remember that the road to success is not always easy, but those who endure in the face of hardship will eventually triumph,” he remarked.
Hon. Godfrey Kabbyanga Baluku, Minister of State for ICT and National Guidance, described the graduation ceremony as completing the Rwenzururu Kingdom’s historical objective, which is identical to that of the National Resistance Movement.
“Your Majesty, these children had lost hope. Some of them have never attended school. Minister Kabbyanga stated that President Museveni has gathered all of them to guarantee that they are skilled and knowledgeable enough to find work or work for themselves.
The Minister also praised the State House Comptroller, Ms. Jane Barekye, for effectively handling State House funds, particularly those designated for skilling hubs.
“This cash has been put to excellent use, and our pupils are becoming more skilled each year. Madam State House Comptroller, please express our heartfelt gratitude to H.E President Museveni for keeping his commitment and instilling hope in the youngsters of Rwenzururu,” Minister Kabbyanga concluded.
According to State House Comptroller Ms. Jane Barekye, President Museveni decided to launch the Industrial Hubs project as an economic intervention to, among other things, create jobs for the youth, produce job creators rather than job seekers, reduce criminality in cities, and increase household income.
Another goal was to reduce the income disparity between jobless and employed people.
Mr. Joel Walusimbi, Chairperson of the Zonal Hub Management Committee and Resident District Commissioner (RDC) for Kasese, praised President Museveni for his visionary leadership in identifying solutions such as skilling centers, which have solved Uganda’s unemployment crisis.
Mr. Masereka Gerald, one of the students who testified, told the visitors that his long-held desire of becoming an engineer would not have come true if not for the Presidential skilling hub, which provided him with the necessary abilities.
“I started here without anything and was a nobody, but after 6 months of building and construction instruction, my name has transformed to Engineer Masereka Gerald. I can now sustain myself and purchase sugar for my parents thanks to my skills. Mr. Masereka added, “I’m here to thank H.E. the President for providing us with this free opportunity.”
The Rwenzori Industrial Zonal Hub in Mubuku, Kasese district, is one of 19 hubs built around the country with the goal of equipping over 12,000 adolescents each year as part of the Presidential Initiative on Skilling Youth to Usher Them Into the Money Economy.
The Directorate of Industrial Training (DIT) gave students the Uganda Vocational Qualifications Level One Certificate, which is comparable to the Uganda Certificate of Education and is internationally recognized.
Officials from State House, officials from the Rwenzururu Kingdom, district leaders, security officers, and parents all attended the ceremony.
