H.E Jessica Alupo, Vice President of the Republic of Uganda, has praised President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for his expertise in diagnosing and solving Ugandans’ problems.

“Having going through the workshops and training areas this morning and having seen the products, I hasten to add that H.E the President is an expert in diagnosing problems that affect the people but also he is quick to provide a solution to those problems, making the people of Uganda very lucky to have him,” she went on to say.

H.E Alupo made the remarks today while officiating at the graduation ceremony for the Teso Subregion Industrial Zonal Hub in Soroti City.

The Vice President also congratulated President Museveni for leading the industrial center concept, which has enabled young skilling in order to combat unemployment.

“For the case of today’s ceremony, the government has established 19 presidential industrial hubs across the country and I would like you to appreciate President Museveni for spearheading this particular initiative among the many initiatives that he has spearheaded before for the wellbeing of the people of Uganda,” she told the crowd.

“Most importantly, I thank the government for providing the resources that allowed the State House Comptroller and his team to train the students.” The most significant component that everyone values is admitting students to the program regardless of whether they know English or not. I’d like to thank you and your staff for admitting these individuals, regardless of their educational background. This is an excellent approach to ensure that no one gets left behind, and this is the NRM government’s responsibility; to bring everyone on board.”

H.E Alupo also complimented the State House Comptroller, Ms. Jane Barekye, for being a hands-on leader who works tirelessly to ensure the success of State House projects like as the industrial Hubs.

“I would like to encourage you to continue doing that because if you do so, you become part of monitoring and evaluation which is a very important aspect in the implementation and success of any program,” she said.

She also advised the kids on the four sectors of the economy where they might find work.

“These include commercial agriculture, industry or manufacturing, services, and information and communication technology.” And we are fortunate now to have graduated carpenters, welders, shoemakers, and other industrial professionals. “Madam Comptroller, that is a clear demonstration that you are on the right track,” the Vice President stated.

H.E Alupo advised the graduates to maintain good health and discipline in order to attain their goals.

“Support the efforts of the government in protecting and preserving our environment.”

Ms. Jane Barekye, the State House Comptroller, explained to the Vice President that President Museveni decided to launch the Industrial Hubs project as an economic intervention to, among other things, create jobs for youth, create job creators rather than job seekers, reduce crime in cities, and increase household incomes.

“Your Excellency, you have heard stories from several job creators here who have achieved this by using these skills to create a living. Another goal was to minimize the degree of criminality in cities, particularly among young people who had lost direction. Now that they have a direction, they know what to do, their brains have changed, and there is no criminality in cities as a result of these talents. All of those objectives have already been achieved.” Ms. Barekye said.

“Another goal was to reduce the economic disparities between the unemployed and the employed. They will earn as much as the educated because of their newfound understanding. Another purpose was to increase household income. It is evident that when you use your skills and get what you want to achieve, you will make money and be able to support your family. Another objective was to improve import substitution and export promotion.”

Ms. Barekye went on to say that State House intends to open a shared user facility where beneficiaries can work without having to pay for machines or power, produce products, make money, and earn a life.

“Your Excellency, I respectfully request your assistance in obtaining that budget. Finally, Your Excellency, our young should be granted a seat in the Emyooga and Parish Development Model on a SACCO basis since we already have skilled kids, and we will be able to supervise them to ensure that the money is used wisely,” she stated.

Ms. Barekye also praised the Ministry of Local Government for supplying the project with land around the country and assisting them in selecting the recipients.

“I’d also want to thank the Ministry of Education for legalising our skills, which are comparable to S.4 certifications. Even if you don’t take any classes, you’ll depart with a S.4 certificate. I applaud the parents who listened to the President and let their children to come here, and who are certain that whatever the President gives their children would be of high quality. Thank you very lot to our parents, and the President has not betrayed you.”

“I’d also want to thank the Ministry of Education for legalising our skills, which are comparable to S.4 certifications. Even if you don’t take any classes, you’ll depart with a S.4 certificate. I applaud the parents who listened to the President and let their children to come here, and who are certain that whatever the President gives their children would be of high quality. Thank you very lot to our parents, and the President has not betrayed you.”

Maj. Gen. Don Nabasa, Commandant of the UPDF 3rd Division, stated that the graduation was a significant day for the majority of the graduates since most of them had lost hope and dropped out of school, but now they have learned a skill that will allow them to sail through and live a better life.

“I was here a few weeks ago and gave them a talk. I thought they were a pretty intriguing group. These people are Uganda’s future; we are leaving since it is now evening here, and Uganda will be in their hands. Therefore, if you are not skilled and unable to do something, you will undoubtedly mess up the country.” Maj Gen. Nabasa said.

“Therefore, via you, Your Excellency, the Vice President, I would want to congratulate our Commander in Chief and President of the Republic of Uganda for this initiative, which is truly great. I’ve seen what these folks can do. Now, my humble appeal: when touring through all five hubs within my area of responsibility, I noticed two areas that can help these children learn a skill that does not cost a lot of money. One of them is automotive mechanics, and the other is branding.

Dr. Michael Okumu, Deputy Director of Assessment and Certification at the Directorate of Industrial Training (DIT), commended President Museveni for keeping his pledge in the 2021-2026 Manifesto.

“We very well know that the Manifesto of 2021-2026 coined very well the skilling agenda in this country and among these which is very critical is skilling all Ugandans irrespective of the Education level,” he went on to say.

“I’d also like to thank our Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Museveni, for her guidance, as well as all of the Ministry of Education’s political leaders and technical staff. Your Excellency, our mandate as the DIT is to guide skills training in this country while also conducting assessment and certification, which is why we are here. We are quite delighted that these industrial hubs have restored a critical component of Uganda’s skill-building strategy: training Ugandans.”

“Your Excellency, as you may be aware, people have a negative attitude about work, as the President has emphasised, and the UPDF has successfully helped these people change their thoughts about work, which is what skills training is all about. Before you can achieve anything with your hands, you must first have the appropriate mindset.

Mr. Joshua Edongu, Mayor of Soroti City, congratulated the government under President Museveni’s wise leadership for establishing the hub that provides skills to youth. He stated that this has enabled them to engage in productive tasks that require the specific abilities they have learned.

Mr. Bernard Ongura, Manager of the Hub, stated that the zonal hub is a project established by His Excellency the President of the Republic of Uganda, and that there are 19 industrial zonal hubs strategically situated around the country.

“Your Excellency, you are a student of two intakes. The first intake began on May 15, 2023 and ended in September 2023, with the second starting on October 20, 2023. They all completed their tests correctly. The entire enrollment for the inaugural intake was 233 pupils, with 111 boys and 122 girls. They have all completed the training and are waiting for their certificates. The total enrollment for the second intake is 240 students.”

Mr. Ongura also informed the audience that the center now provides seven courses, including tailoring, baking, welding, hairdressing, carpentry, building, and shoemaking.