President Museveni has directed the introduction of four new vocational courses in Presidential Industrial Hubs to expand opportunities for youth skilling and employment across the country.
The new courses—electrical engineering, plumbing, motor vehicle mechanics, and weaving and knitting—are expected to be rolled out in the next intake.
The directive was announced by the Director of Presidential Industrial Hubs and Projects, Eng. Raymond Kamugisha, who represented the State House Comptroller, Ms Jane Barekye. He said the additional courses are intended to broaden the scope of skills offered at the hubs and enhance their impact on youth empowerment.
"I would like to inform you that the President has directed that all Presidential Industrial Hubs start implementing the four new courses in addition to those already in place," Kamugisha said.
He noted that the hubs are already offering a range of practical skills, including carpentry, bakery and confectionery, tailoring, welding and leather design, among others.
According to Kamugisha, the programme has registered significant success, with many graduates securing employment in established companies while others have joined the armed forces as skilled professionals.
"Our trainees are assessed by the Uganda Vocational and Technical Assessment Board (UVTAB) and awarded certificates equivalent to O-Level, including those who have never gone through formal education," he added.
Speaking at the same event, the Minister for the Presidency, Milly Babalanda, cautioned State House staff against corruption and complacency, reiterating President Museveni's directive for integrity and diligence in the implementation of government programmes.
Babalanda delivered the warning during the official opening of a one-week induction training for hub managers, farm managers and finance officers at the Oliver Tambo Leadership School and Pan-African Centre of Excellence in Kaweweta, Nakaseke District.
She underscored the importance of discipline, transparency and accountability in managing public resources, especially within the industrial hubs and associated SACCOs formed to support graduates.
"You should uphold integrity, accountability and professionalism. Remember, as the President said, this is a term of 'no sleep, no corruption,'" she stressed.
Babalanda further noted that the sustainability and success of the Presidential Industrial Hubs, demonstration farms and SACCOs will depend not only on sound financial management but also on effective leadership and strict adherence to ethical standards.
Also speaking at the event, the Commissioner in charge of Technology Transfer and Presidential Demonstration Farms, Dr Moses Ochen, urged participants to fully utilise the training to align with the President's vision of transforming Uganda from subsistence to modern agriculture.
"This training should help you align your mindset with the President's vision. Your responsibility is to ensure that the demonstration farms become centres of excellence that support modern farming and wealth creation," Dr Ochen said.
He encouraged the public to take advantage of the demonstration farms as open learning centres for modern agricultural practices, including access to improved crop varieties and livestock breeds.
"Our farms are open to the public. Let them come and learn modern farming skills and access improved breeds," he added.
Meanwhile, the Presidential Hubs Coordinator for Western and Central Uganda, Julius Muhairwe, highlighted the rationale behind recruiting new finance officers, stressing the need for improved accountability in managing SACCO funds.
"You have the duty to ensure that funds allocated to SACCOs are effectively managed. Your skills in monitoring and accountability will strengthen oversight and improve follow-up on beneficiaries," Muhairwe said.
The training brought together key personnel tasked with overseeing the operations of Presidential Industrial Hubs and demonstration farms across the country.
The initiative forms part of a broader government strategy to tackle youth unemployment by equipping young people with practical skills and promoting wealth creation through industrialisation and modern agriculture.
The event was attended by several State House officials and dignitaries, including the Commandant of the Oliver Tambo Leadership School, Brig. Gen. Justus Rukundo.
The Presidential Industrial Hubs programme was established to provide free vocational training to young Ugandans, particularly those who may not have had an opportunity to pursue formal education. The programme has increasingly become a key component of the government's efforts to address unemployment and enhance skills development among the country's youthful population.
