The development was confirmed by the Director of Presidential Industrial Hubs and Projects at State House, Eng. Raymond Kamugisha, who said the expansion is driven by overwhelming demand for vocational skills training among young people.
Uganda currently has 19 operational Presidential Industrial Hubs distributed across the country. The facilities provide six months of intensive hands-on training to youths aged between 18 and 35 years in various vocational disciplines.
The latest intake has enrolled more than 4,500 youths nationwide, with officials saying training is being conducted in compliance with Ministry of Health guidelines aimed at preventing the spread of Ebola.
Speaking during the launch of the sixth intake at the Acholi Zonal Presidential Industrial Hub in Gulu City, Kamugisha revealed that the additional 17 hubs are expected to be rolled out in the next financial year.
“Discussions are underway to ensure that 17 more Presidential Industrial Hubs are constructed across the country in the next financial year in response to the high demand for youth skilling,” he said.
He explained that the new hubs will be equitably distributed, particularly in regions with a large number of districts. Kamugisha cited Busoga, which has 15 districts currently served by one hub, and Acholi, which has 10 districts sharing a single facility, as examples of regions that stand to benefit from the expansion.
According to Kamugisha, the goal is to ensure that each hub serves approximately five districts to improve accessibility.
He also pointed to linguistic diversity as a factor informing the expansion plan. Regions such as Bukedi, where communities speak languages including Samia, Japadhola, Lugwere and Lunyole, require more localised training centres to enhance effectiveness and participation.
The newly enrolled trainees will receive practical training in a variety of vocational fields, including shoemaking and design, carpentry, welding and metal fabrication, tailoring, bakery and confectionery, among others.
Local leaders and beneficiaries in Northern Uganda praised the initiative, describing it as a transformative programme that equips young people with employable skills at no cost.
Jimmy Odong Lawrence, the Manager of the Acholi Zonal Presidential Industrial Hub, highlighted the programme's impact and pointed to several success stories among graduates.
“Trainees do not pay any fees during the entire six-month training period. We provide both mindset change and technical skills training, ensuring that they leave here fully transformed and ready to participate in the money economy,” he said.
Christopher Ijjo, the Manager of the Madi Presidential Industrial Hub, also commended the introduction of seed capital for graduates. Under the initiative, each district receives Shs50 million through SACCOs to support trained youths in starting their own businesses.
Amir Kamba, the Deputy Resident City Commissioner of Bardege-Layibi Division in Gulu City, said the hubs have played a significant role in reintegrating school dropouts and vulnerable youth into productive livelihoods.
“Many graduates have secured employment in established companies, while others have started businesses and are employing their peers. Some have even secured contracts beyond Uganda, including a youth who established a business in Tororo and is now serving clients from Kenya,” Kamba said.
He added that the programme has particularly benefited young women who were previously marginalised due to failed marriages or limited educational opportunities, enabling them to establish businesses such as salons and bakeries.
Despite the programme's achievements, leaders called for an increase in enrolment capacity. Currently, each hub admits about 240 trainees per intake, a figure they say is insufficient given the growing demand.
“We need to increase admissions to at least 180 trainees per district to meet the overwhelming demand,” Kamba urged.
Trainees expressed optimism about the opportunities offered through the programme.
Winnie Desire Enduro, a trainee from Moyo District enrolled at the Madi Hub in Adjumani District, said she chose tailoring after financial challenges prevented her from pursuing further formal education.
Similarly, Ojok Justine Okello, a trainee at the Acholi Hub, praised the initiative for creating opportunities for underprivileged youth to acquire practical skills and improve their livelihoods.
The Presidential Industrial Hubs initiative forms part of the government's broader strategy to promote job creation, encourage self-employment and empower young people through practical skills development.