Hon. Judith Nabakooba Nalule, Minister for Lands, Housing, and Urban Development, praised President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for bringing opportunities such as skilling hubs closer to those who need them most.
“This is an excellent opportunity for both our children and the country as a whole.” I’ve seen machinery and things that I previously only saw in Kampala. I applaud His Excellency the President for constructing this in Greater Mubende. We used to hear about this skilling programme just in Kampala, but the President, in his wisdom, chose to bring the smiles closer by constructing zonal regional centers to accommodate more youngsters from our communities. Hon. Nabakooba stated that his aim is for a skilled nation in which everyone participates in the money economy.
Minister Nabakooba made the statements on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, while presided over the graduation ceremony of 448 youngsters who completed their vocational training at the Greater Mubende Presidential Zonal skilling hub, which is located in Kibuye-vuga village, Kitenga sub-county, Mubende District.
Students of the second and third cohorts drawn from the administrative units of Greater Mubende and Wamala region comprising of Mityana, Mubende, Kassanda, Kiboga, and Kyankwanzi districts were awarded certificates in seven (7) employable vocational disciplines, namely tailoring and design (78), hairdressing and make-up (95), building and construction practice (55), carpentry and joinery (46), welding and metal fabrications (91), bakery and confectionery (55) and 28 students in Leather processing (shoe making).
Hon. Nabakooba exhorted the trainees to consider themselves fortunate among the hundreds of youths who would have loved to receive the same training, and urged them to pass on their abilities to other young people.
“There are so many people who would have been here but didn’t get the opportunity. Thank God, you are blessed. Maintain your humble demeanor while looking for work. Those who can instruct others should move ahead so that we have more skilled staff,” Minister Nabakooba said.
Hon. Godfrey Kiwanda Suubi, Vice Chairperson of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) in the Central Region, urged parents to help their children advance their talents.
“Don’t expect the government to do everything for you. President Museveni has provided our children with free education and training. If your daughter has learned to tailor, sell one cow and purchase her a sewing machine so she can start working. “Go and be the light in your villages,” Hon. Kiwanda stated.
The government has built 19 regional industrial hubs across the country as part of the Presidential Initiative to prepare young people for the money economy.
The Directorate of Industrial Training (DIT) issued students the Uganda Vocational Qualifications Level One Certificate, which is equivalent to the Uganda Certificate of Education level.
Students here shared their stories of hope and thanked President Museveni for training them for free.
Namakula Bridget, who learned welding, informed guests that she is already working in a workshop and impressing her coworkers with her quality work.
“I want to thank President Museveni and our professors. “I believe I will be a powerful woman in the next five years,” she declared.
Kisekka Ronald from Kakindu in Mityana district learned carpentry and joinery. He informed visitors that after finishing, he went about seeking for jobs, and his first interview was to build a closet, which he accomplished exceptionally well and immediately began working.
“I applaud President Museveni for training us. Kisekka urged his classmates not to underestimate their abilities.
Maruti Daniel from Kasanda learned baking and confectionery, and his first job was to create a graduation cake.
“I am now employed by Denovo Bread bakery in Nateete, Kampala, earning 200,000 shillings per week. “I thank President Museveni for giving us the skills we have now,” Maruti stated.
Musinguzi Jordan from Kalonga Village, Mubende, learned carpentry and joinery. Musinguzi reminded guests that his dreams had been dashed after graduating Senior Four, with no funds to continue his official education.
“When I arrived here, I only found practical lessons that provided hands-on experience. I produce high-quality carpentry goods in Kampala. I urge parents to help us in whatever way they can so that we do not waste our gifts,” Jordan said.
The State House Comptroller, Ms. Jane Barekye, as well as Resident District Commissioners and LC5 Chairpersons from Greater Mubende, religious leaders, security officers, and parents, attended the ceremony.
