Ms. Jane Barekye the State House Comptroller has advised graduated youths to use the skills acquired to work and improve their livelihoods and those of their families.
“Do not disappoint the President and your families, ensure that this becomes a success story, go out there and embrace the President’s vision of transforming Uganda socially and economically.” she added.
Ms. Barekye made these remarks while passing out 212 students who graduated at the Acholi Zonal Industrial Hub after completing a free- five months skills development training in the different vocational disciplines on Tuesday January 3rd.
Barekye also tasked these youth to make the Zonal Industrial Hub Initiative a success story so as to push Uganda’s socio-economic transformation agenda.
In 2020, the President implored Government to allocate sh130bn for the construction of 21 zonal industrial hubs across the country to enhance youth skilling and training.
The zonal industrial hubs seek to scale down unemployment rates, especially among the youth and stimulate industrial production in Uganda which currently has one of the highest youth populations in the world.
Concerning a request by Acholi leaders to increase the number of in-take in the industrial hub, the comptroller asked them to be patient because State House has got other industrial hubs across the country, they facilitate yet the funds are still limited.
The Comptroller further assured that the President will provide beneficiaries with a common user facility equipped with machines which will be used by everyone for free to manufacture goods they will take to the market to sell and earn a living.
In his speech, Odong Jimmy the Manager of the Acholi Presidential Industrial Hub said that the trainees underwent a free- five months training starting from August 4th to December 23rd 2022 and were awarded Directorate of Industrial Training (DIT) Level I Certificates.
Odong also noted that the hub admitted 220 students from 10 administrative units that included Amuru district, Nwoya district, Omoro district, Gulu district, Gulu city, Pader district, Lamwo district, Agago district, Kitgum district, Kitgum municipality and each was given a slot of 22.
“Out of the 212 participants of which 99 were males and 113 female, 60 did tailoring, 35 did carpentry, 58 did welding and 59 did hairdressing”. Odong highlighted.
Mr. Echugor Charles, the Gulu Resident District Commissioner commended President Museveni for imparting knowledge to the youth through trainings at Zonal Industrial Hubs.
He also urged all leaders including his fellow RDCs and deputies to ensure that they work closely and ensure that the Presidential initiative is a success.
Other dignitaries present at the event were among others Hon. Acora Nancy Odonga the Woman Member of Parliament for Lamwo district, Hon.Olanya Gilbert, the Member of Parliament for Kilak South Amuru district, Mr. Naamara Anthony, the Commissioner Local Government, Mr. Michael Okumu the Deputy Director of the Directorate of Industrial Training, Eng Raymond Kamugisha, the Director of Presidential Projects & Industrial Hubs, and Mr. Opiyo Christopher Ateker, the Chairperson Acholi Hub.
