Hon. Justine Kasule Lumumba, Minister of General Duties in the Office of the Prime Minister, offered valuable advice to beneficiaries of the Presidential Initiative on Skilling the Girl and Boy Child (PISGBC), while here, she emphasized the importance of producing high-quality products and maintaining professionalism and confidence in their work.
Speaking as the Chief Guest at a product showcasing event at Nakulabye Skilling Centre in Rubaga Division, Hon. Lumumba stressed, “You must ensure that the products you make are of high standards and good quality. Even when you are modelling or showcasing your fashion designs, you must keep on doing the right thing, smile, and be confident.”
The Nakulabye Skilling Centre, located at Our Lady of Fatima Parish Church, equips youth with skills in leather design, shoe making, tailoring, fashion design, knitting, embroidery, and hairdressing. Hon. Lumumba praised President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for initiating this project, highlighting its potential to reduce poverty and secure a brighter future for vulnerable youth in Kampala.
She advised students to uphold good morals, practice discipline, and apply the knowledge they have gained, particularly in patriotism. “Go to the field and put into practice what you have learned here at Nakulabye Skilling Centre and become change agents,” she urged.
Hon. Lumumba also noted the inclusion of sports in the skilling program, which she believes will nurture talents and foster networking among students. She encouraged students to support each other and create markets for their products.
Additionally, she pledged to advocate for the establishment of production lines, particularly at Namanve Industrial Park, to employ graduates from the skilling centres and other Presidential Industrial Hubs nationwide. She thanked Fr. Emmanuel Ssenkusu, Assistant Parish Priest of Our Lady of Fatima, for providing the space to train the youth.
Ms. Babirye Yudaya Kigenyi, Minister of Kyabazinga Affairs of the Busoga Kingdom, emphasized the importance of good moral behavior, which she described as paramount for cultural institutions. She expressed gratitude to Ms. Jane Barekye, State House Comptroller, Dr. Faith Katana, Head of PISGBC, and other stakeholders for implementing the project.
Kampala Resident City Commissioner, Ms. Amina Lukanga, echoed the call for good morals among students, urging them to use their skills to improve their lives. Ambassador Walusimbi Abbey, Senior Presidential Advisor in charge of the diaspora, acknowledged President Museveni’s efforts in eradicating poverty through this initiative.
Dr. Katana reiterated her commitment to fulfilling President Museveni’s vision, stating, “We are determined to interpret, actualize, and materialize the dreams of President Yoweri Museveni.” She defended the inclusion of patriotism in the curriculum, explaining that students are taught to love themselves and their resource-rich country. She also thanked government agencies like NIRA for registering students for National Identity cards.
Ms. Sarah Turyareeba, Administrator of Nakulabye Skilling Centre, announced that 228 students have completed their six-month course and are prepared for their final examinations. “They can now be self-employed and job creators,” she noted.
Mr. Ssekimpi Philip Kakembo, Chairman of the Kampala Tailors Association, offered employment opportunities to tailoring students from the skilling centres. Beneficiaries shared emotional testimonies, expressing gratitude to President Museveni for the liberation brought through the skilling program.
The event was also attended by Dr. Musoke Hilary Kisanja, Ms. Juliet Namale, Managers of Skilling at the PISGBC Office, and local political leaders.