The Mulago Skilling Centre, located at UEB Village in Mulago Parish, was bustling with activity on Wednesday as parents and well-wishers gathered to witness the achievements of children who completed a six-month skilling course in various disciplines.
This center, part of the Presidential Initiative on Skilling the Girl and Boy Child (PISGBC), offers training in 11 disciplines, including carpentry, welding, construction, plumbing, electrical installation, electronics, tailoring, embroidery, knitting, hairdressing, shoe making, and tyre recycling.
The event’s chief guest, Hajjat Minsa Kabanda, Minister of Kampala City and Metropolitan Affairs, praised Dr. Faith Katana, the Special Presidential Assistant on Education and Skilling and Head of the PISGBC program, and her team for their efforts in training the youth under the State House’s support. Minister Kabanda was particularly impressed with the embroidery products, noting their affordability compared to market prices.
“I recommend everyone, especially politicians, to visit and see the work being done at all the Skilling centers,” she stated.
Hajjat Kabanda urged parents to enroll their children in these programs to gain valuable skills and obtain recognized certificates from the Directorate of Industrial Training and she also encouraged students to apply their knowledge and form SACCOs to access startup capital, and she called on all Ugandans to embrace government programs such as the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emyooga.
State Minister for Housing, Hon. Persis Namuganza, expressed her gratitude for the program, highlighting the impressive products from the construction, welding, and hairdressing departments. She emphasized the importance of such initiatives in improving housing and living conditions for Ugandans.
Hon. Namuganza thanked President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for the project, emphasizing its role in unlocking the youth’s potential. She also pledged to lobby for additional support for the students.
Kampala Resident City Commissioner (RCC), Ms. Aminah Lukanga, advised beneficiaries to maintain discipline, apply their skills, and avoid reverting to negative behaviors. Dr. Faith Katana highlighted the transformation of the youths from areas with high criminal activity, crediting the counsellors and instructors for their excellent work. She also expressed gratitude to Fr. Angelo, the Parish Priest of Mulago Catholic Church, for providing the facility for the skilling project.
Ms. Wanyama Juliet, the Administrator of Mulago Skilling Centre, reported that out of 790 enrolled children, 641 are set to take their final exams. Mr. Godfrey Kayizzi, a long-serving LC1 leader in UEB Village, praised President Museveni for the initiative, noting a significant reduction in criminal activities in the area.
Ms. Olivia Nantongo Nalongo, a resident and parent, was overjoyed with the progress her daughter, Nassanga Ida, made in the tailoring class, showcasing beautiful dresses and other items after just six months of training.