Bugisu leaders have commended President Yoweri Museveni’s Presidential Industrial Skilling Hubs for transforming the livelihoods of vulnerable youth through vocational training, entrepreneurship support and wealth creation, while calling for increased funding to expand the programme.
The leaders made the remarks during a stakeholders’ engagement at the Bugisu Zonal Presidential Industrial Skilling Hub in Bungokho South Constituency, Mbale District.
The facility serves seven administrative areas, including Bulambuli, Namisindwa, Sironko, Bududa, Manafwa, Mbale City and Mbale District.
Leaders said the programme has equipped thousands of young people with practical and employable skills, reduced idleness and crime, and created opportunities for self-employment through access to SACCO financing.
The Chairperson of the Bugisu Zonal Presidential Industrial Skilling Hub and Bungokho Central Member of Parliament, Mahmood Masaba Mutenyo, said the initiative goes beyond vocational training by promoting discipline, responsibility and a culture of hard work among young people.
“Besides equipping young people with practical skills, the hub is moulding disciplined, responsible and hardworking citizens. This is helping shape a generation that can contribute meaningfully to national development,” Masaba said.
Masaba applauded State House for ensuring timely delivery of training materials but raised concern over political interference in the selection of beneficiaries.
He said some politicians have reportedly attempted to influence admissions by demanding slots for preferred individuals, undermining the established selection process.
“The selection process is fair and follows established procedures. There is no justification for intimidating workers at the hubs because someone was not selected,” he emphasised.
Masaba proposed that Parliament provide dedicated funding for the Presidential Industrial Skilling Hubs to ensure sustainable operations. He also suggested establishing a standalone ministry to oversee the programme.
Bungokho South Member of Parliament Geoffrey Wokuri described the hubs as a major driver of Uganda’s socio-economic transformation, calling for an increase in training slots to meet the growing demand among young people.
“Many beneficiaries had dropped out of school or lacked access to formal education, but are now earning a living after acquiring vocational skills and accessing start-up capital,” Wokuri said.
“They receive practical skills, are supported with capital and establish businesses. That is exactly how poverty is defeated.”
Namisindwa District Chairperson Emma Bwayo also urged Parliament to provide direct budgetary support to the hubs rather than leaving the programme solely under the Presidency.
Bwayo said the initiative has helped reduce youth idleness and crime in the district, with many graduates starting businesses and creating employment opportunities for others.
“We have followed up many graduates and they have started successful businesses. Some are already employing other young people. The impact is visible in our communities,” he said.
He revealed that about 300 trainees from Namisindwa District alone have graduated from the Bugisu hub, with many now engaged in self-employment.
The Director of Presidential Projects and Industrial Hubs at State House, Eng. Raymond Kamugisha, who represented State House Comptroller Jane Barekye, urged leaders to respect the 11-member district selection committees established to ensure transparency and fairness in selecting beneficiaries.
The committees comprise Resident District Commissioners (RDCs), District Internal Security Officers (DISOs), LCV chairpersons, NRM district leaders, District Community Development Officers (DCDOs), youth representatives, women leaders and representatives of persons with disabilities.
“The President intentionally constituted these committees to ensure transparency, fairness and equal opportunity. Leaders should respect the process and protect the President’s vision,” Kamugisha said.
He encouraged district leaders to support graduates by providing opportunities through local government contracts and facilitating access to SACCO financing.
“When these students graduate, follow them up. Give them opportunities to supply goods and services. Supporting them with start-up capital builds stronger communities,” he added.
Kamugisha urged graduates to remain proactive, market their skills and focus on delivering quality services to grow their businesses.
“Do not sit back expecting opportunities to come to you. Market yourselves, provide quality services and build your businesses. Success belongs to those who remain hardworking and innovative,” he advised.
He announced that new courses, including electrical installation, plumbing, automobile mechanics, knitting and weaving, will soon be introduced to align training with labour market demands.
Kamugisha also revealed that trainees will participate in constructing additional infrastructure, including dormitories, as the programme expands.
He disclosed that several graduates across Bugisu have already benefited from SACCO financing to establish businesses. In Bududa, 43 beneficiaries received more than Shs36.7 million; Bulambuli, 59 beneficiaries received over Shs48 million; Manafwa, 39 beneficiaries received Shs31.5 million; Mbale District, 37 beneficiaries received Shs30.67 million; Mbale City, 34 beneficiaries received Shs25.3 million; Namisindwa, 40 beneficiaries received Shs34.9 million; and Sironko, 29 beneficiaries received Shs26.1 million.
He urged beneficiaries to use the funds responsibly and invest in growing sustainable businesses.
“Use the money productively. Invest in customer care, marketing and honesty in business. Be aggressive in fighting poverty and ensure your enterprises succeed,” he said.
The Bugisu leaders unanimously called on Government and Parliament to increase funding for the Presidential Industrial Skilling Hubs, saying the programme has demonstrated its ability to create jobs, reduce poverty and transform communities.
