President Yoweri Museveni has promised to allocate funds for Savings Credit and Cooperatives Organisations (SACCOS) formed by graduates from the skilling industrial hubs set up across the country.
“In the coming Financial Year ,I direct the State House Comptroller to ensure that these SACCOs are capitalized to allow the trained people practice the skills acquired,” said Museveni
The President made the pledge during the commissioning of the Bunyoro Zonal Industrial Hub in Masindi District as he toured Bunyoro sub region to mobilise the residents on wealth creation for sustainable socio-economic transformation.
Following the rampant school drop outs, the President decided to set up skilling centres across the country in all 18 sub-regions of Uganda to train the youth with practical skills that are employable in the current job market and also become job makers themselves.
The President reaffirmed his commitment to youth empowerment through vocational training noting that skilling is key to Uganda’s socio-economic transformation.
Museveni while commissioning the Bunyoro Zonal Presidential Skilling Hub at Kiryana Village, Kimengo Sub County, Masindi District, he described the initiative as part of waking up Africa from economic slumber.
“Most Africans have been in slumber for quite some time but now we are awakening them up through skills development for sustainable development,” he said.
The President tasked the public to understand and embrace the government’s cause to establish zonal hubs as a catalyst for empowerment of the youths and turning them into a productive Human resource.
Museveni instructed administrators of the Zonal Skilling Industrial Hubs in the country to increase the number of programs offered to students as demand for skilling programs increases.
He explained Uganda’s shift from exporting raw hides and skins to producing leather products locally, giving an example of the Kawumu Tannery Factory as a success story.
“Previously, we were exporting raw hides, which were turned into shoes and belts abroad and we would import them back. Now, with Kawumu, we are processing our own leather, and the Bunyoro Skilling Hub is using it to make shoes. This is how we wake up as Ugandans and the way to go,” Museveni said.
The President also criticized the abuse of Universal Primary and Secondary Education (UPE and USE) by some Headteachers and parents, which he said had undermined its effectiveness. He re-echoed his call for free education for all so that the children of the poor can also access education.
“The leaders need to reinstate free education policies at both Primary and Secondary levels, ensuring that vulnerable children access learning opportunities,” he said.
The Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja described the skilling hub initiative as a top priority under Uganda’s National Development Goals. “Once students acquire skills, they will not only create their own jobs but also employ others, thus strengthening the country’s economy,” said Nabbanja.
The First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Mrs. Janet Museveni who was present at the commissioning, thanked President Museveni for the great initiative which has enabled many of the young people to be skilled in various disciplines.
She explained that once skilled, the youth not only engage in gainful employment but are able to create employment for themselves and others thereby contributing to the welfare of their families and society.
“And so, as we commission this Youth Skilling Hub, we cannot forget to thank God who made this initiative possible because unless He builds a house, we the labourers, labour in vain. Human Capital Development is vital in our quest to evolve from a peasant to a modern and prosperous country. Therefore, the skilling of our young population remains a top priority. This is why; every effort is being made to avail skilling opportunities in every part of the country as resources become available,” noted the First Lady and Minister for Education and Sports.
The Education Minister also noted that skills development has the potential to trigger economic growth, because of its ability to accommodate formal and non-formal training for the people.
“Those who drop out of formal education, still have an opportunity to maximize their potential. In addition to the many opportunities that Government offers through our formal education programs in the Technical, Vocational, Education and Training (TVET) Institutions that are spread across the country, this Presidential Initiative provides opportunity to the vulnerable youth in our communities who may not afford to attend the formal school system for various reasons,” she emphasized.
The First Lady also called upon all able-bodied Ugandans to take advantage of the opportunity provided to acquire knowledge and skills to benefit themselves and their communities assuring them that the Ministry of Education and Sports was monitoring what was being taught.
“With the enactment of the TVET Act 2025, the Ministry of Education and Sports will now be able to regulate programs like these, to ensure they benefit our people but also align with the intentions of the Government,” she urged.
Uganda’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Act 2025, gazetted on March 14, 2025, establishes a framework for promoting, coordinating, regulating, and delivering TVET, including the creation of the Uganda Vocational and Technical Assessment Board (UVTAB).
“I therefore urge the management of this program to ensure that the provisions of the TVET Act are adhered to. Important to note at this point is the merger of the Directorate of Industrial Training (DIT) with the Uganda Business and Technical Examinations Board (UBTEB) to form one assessment body for TVET named Uganda Vocational and Technical Assessment Board. Going forward this is now the body to assess these programs,” she said.
Janet reiterated Government’s commitment to supporting the Presidential Initiative.
“We are available to hold hands with you as you serve our people through this skilling hub,” she assured the people.
The Zonal Hub Chairperson, Cosmas Byaruhunga commended the initiative, noting that the hub has already graduated 893 students in trades such as bakery, brick-making, hairdressing, welding, and tailoring. However, he pointed out transport challenges faced by students attending the hub.
During the commissioning some beneficiaries shared their success stories that moved everyone at the event. Among them was Granimer Tibareka, who studied building and construction who said that his certificate had enabled him to secure contracts which have helped him to cater for his family and also develop himself.
Kobusinge Amanya, a tailoring graduate, revealed that she used Shs350,000 to start her own business and currently earns Shs50,000 daily, which now sustains her family.
