His Highness Jude Mike Mudoma, the Umukuka III of Bamasaba Cultural Institution, has praised President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for his initiative in equipping the youth of Uganda with essential vocational and practical skills, crucial for their prosperity.
Highlighting Uganda’s status as having the world’s second-youngest population, with over three-quarters below 35 years old, the cultural leader emphasized the significance of skilling programs in addressing unemployment.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony on Friday at the Bugisu Zonal Presidential Industrial Hub, His Highness Mudoma celebrated the successful graduation of 482 youths aged between 18 and 35, who had completed training in various vocational skills.
The graduates received certificates in diverse fields such as leather processing (shoe making), tailoring and design, bakery & confectionery, welding and metal fabrications, hairdressing & makeup, carpentry & joinery, and building & construction practice.
In his address, the Umukuka encouraged diversification of courses, advocating for the inclusion of disciplines like computer science, motor vehicle mechanics, electrical engineering, plumbing, and driving to expand opportunities for the youth.
Furthermore, he urged the government and district leaders to prioritize skilled youths in accessing existing programs and called for the establishment of additional skilling centers to accommodate more beneficiaries.
Ms. Jane Barekye, the State House Comptroller, congratulated the graduates and underscored the President’s commitment to combat unemployment and uplift communities through skilling initiatives.
She revealed plans for the establishment of common user facilities across districts, providing access to specialized machinery and promoting entrepreneurship among skilled individuals.
Additionally, she called upon district leaders to prioritize the employment of skilled graduates, emphasizing its role in providing working experience and creating employment opportunities within communities.
Hon. Wandwasi Robert, Member of Parliament for Bungokho South, expressed gratitude to President Museveni for the establishment of the skilling hub and urged expedited rural electrification to support skills requiring power.
Eng. Raymond Kamugisha, Director of Industrial Hubs and Presidential Projects at State House, appreciated the collaboration with various partners in ensuring the success of the program.
The ceremony, attended by Members of Parliament, RDCs, LC5 Chairpersons, CAOs, religious, and local leaders, showcased the collective effort towards youth empowerment and economic development through vocational training.