President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has pushed Karamoja’s inhabitants to adopt modern agricultural, industrial, and service techniques in order to elevate themselves out of poverty. He made the announcement on November 4, 2024, when launching the Karamoja Presidential Industrial Hub in Lokitidede Town Council, Napak District.
Museveni stressed four key sectors for wealth creation: commercial agriculture for food security and income, manufacturing, services such as healthcare and education, and information and communication technology (ICT). He advocated for a shift away from manual work and toward mechanized, citing the success of the Ankole region in transitioning from nomadic grazing to farmland.
“Our work in the NRM has been to wake up Ugandans since the 1960s,” Museveni told the crowd. “The Ankole people are now immensely wealthy because they adopted modern ways. Karamoja can do the same.”
He encouraged the town to pursue education, healthcare, and electrification while minimizing its reliance on firewood. The President also requested that the center set aside four acres of land for a demonstration project showing best agricultural practices under the four-acre concept.
The Karamoja Industrial Hub, which was intended to teach teenagers practical skills, has already taught thousands in welding, carpentry, tailoring, baking, hairdressing, and electronics. Some graduates have landed jobs with the Uganda Police Force and the Uganda People’s Defence Forces, while others have founded their own enterprises.
Vice President Jessica Alupo praised Museveni for empowering youth and promoting economic progress. “We appreciate your focus on ensuring no one is left behind in the money economy,” Alupo said, citing the spread of industrial hubs across the country as evidence of equitable development.
Peter Lokeris, Minister for Karamoja Affairs, lauded the government with converting Karamoja from a territory plagued by cattle rustling to one that practices contemporary economics.
Mr. John Paul Kodet, Zonal Chairperson of the Karamoja Industrial Hub, stated that the hub supports the NRM manifesto’s goal of transforming job seekers into job producers. “We have reintegrated 30 former street children, equipping them with skills they now use productively,” Kodet informed the crowd. However, he encouraged the government to address issues such as insufficient capacity and transportation for emergencies.
Beneficiaries presented their success tales, like Aleper James of Kotido, who went from unskilled to shoemaker. “My goal is to save UGX 4.5 million to start my own workshop,” according to him. Agu Rebecca from Kotido Municipality explained how her hairdressing abilities enabled her to save UGX 1 million and support her family.