President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni emphasized the importance of human capital development in driving Uganda’s economic growth. He made these remarks when launching the Bugisu Zonal Presidential Industrial Hub in Lukhonge village, Mbale district.

The President emphasized education and health as crucial cornerstones of human capital development. “Education increases a person’s chances of acquiring a job and earning more money. It can also assist people develop the abilities required to be productive in the labor market. “Good health is also important; when people are healthy, they are more productive,” Museveni stated.

He voiced alarm over the rising number of school dropouts, especially in government-aided schools. He ascribed it to teachers demanding additional fees despite getting government salary and textbooks. “In Bukedi, 80% of the children are school dropouts because they were asked to pay school fees in government-aided schools,” Museveni stated, adding that this practice undermines the Universal Primary Education (UPE) and Universal Secondary Education (USE) programs, which were launched in 1996 and 2007, respectively.

The President praised the industrial hub’s skilling initiative, stating that it economically empowers participants within six months of training. He expected that the scheme will rapidly diminish Uganda’s dependency on imported footwear, bags, belts, and furniture.

During the ceremony, Museveni viewed trainee-made products and heard comments from program recipients. He provided Shs.10 million in starting funding to three individuals: Mugaya Francis, Mayafu Abdurahim, and Namono Hanna. The beneficiaries thanked the President for giving free training and strengthening 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.