The King (Omusinga) of Rwenzururu Kingdom, His Majesty Charles Wesley Mumbere, has expressed gratitude to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for his efforts in equipping the youth in the community with employable vocational skills to combat unemployment.
“I commend His Excellency President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for this initiative. Our young people have greatly benefited and will continue to do so from this program. This Skilling Hub offers opportunities to learners without academic discrimination. It is my sincere appeal to His Excellency to expand this initiative to accommodate more learners,” Omusinga Mumbere stated.
Accompanied by his wife, Her Royal Highness Nyabaghole Agnes Ithungu Asimawe, His Majesty Mumbere made these remarks on wednesday at the graduation ceremony held at the Rwenzori Presidential Industrial Zonal hub in Mubuku, Kasese district.
A total of 466 students from the 2nd intake (235) and the third intake (231) successfully completed their vocational training and were awarded certificates in seven employable vocational disciplines: Tailoring and Design, Hairdressing and Makeup, Building and Construction Practice, Carpentry & Joinery, Welding and Metal Fabrication, Bakery & Confectionery, and Leather Processing (Shoe Making).
“To all graduates of this Presidential Skilling Hub, I extend my heartfelt congratulations. Today marks a significant milestone not only for you but also for our community and our nation as a whole. As you embark on your journey beyond this institution, may you continue to learn, grow, and positively impact wherever life leads you. The future holds great promise, and I have every confidence in your ability to shine brightly,” the Omusinga further remarked, emphasizing his belief in education and skills development as catalysts for transformation and community upliftment.
Acknowledging the invaluable support and guidance provided by the facility’s staff and mentors, the Omusinga urged graduates to uphold values of integrity, perseverance, and resilience.
“These virtues will serve as your guideposts as you navigate life’s complexities and pursue your aspirations. Embrace opportunities with enthusiasm and passion, dare to dream big, and confront challenges head-on. Success may not always come easy, but it is those who persevere in the face of adversity who ultimately triumph,” he added.
The Minister of State for ICT in charge of National Guidance, Hon. Godfrey Kabbyanga Baluku, described the graduation ceremony as a fulfillment of the historical mission of the Rwenzururu Kingdom, paralleling that of the National Resistance Movement (NRM).
“These youths had lost hope. Some had never been to school. President Museveni has gathered them all to ensure they acquire skills and knowledge for either employment or entrepreneurship,” Minister Kabbyanga remarked.
He also commended the State House Comptroller, Ms. Jane Barekye, for her prudent management of State House funds, particularly those allocated for skilling hubs.
According to Ms. Jane Barekye, President Museveni initiated the Industrial hubs project as an economic intervention to create jobs for the youth, foster entrepreneurship, reduce urban crime rates, and enhance household incomes while bridging the gap between the unemployed and the employed.
The Chairperson of the Zonal Hub Management Committee, Mr. Joel Walusimbi, praised President Museveni for his visionary leadership in implementing solutions such as skilling hubs to address Uganda’s unemployment challenge.
Testifying to the life-changing impact of the Presidential skilling hub, student Masereka Gerald expressed gratitude for the opportunity that transformed his aspirations into reality.
“For sure, I came here with nothing and was nobody. But after six months of training in building and construction, I am now Engineer Masereka Gerald. Through my skills, I can now support myself and even contribute to my family’s welfare. I extend my gratitude to H.E the President for providing us with this invaluable opportunity,” Mr. Masereka shared.
The Rwenzori Industrial Zonal Hub in Mubuku, Kasese district, is one of 19 hubs established nationwide under the Presidential Initiative to skill over 12,000 youths annually, ushering them into the formal economy.
Students were awarded Uganda Vocational Qualifications Level One Certificate by the Directorate of Industrial Training (DIT), equivalent to the Uganda Certificate of Education level and internationally recognized.
The ceremony was attended by officials from State House, representatives from Rwenzururu Kingdom, district leaders, security officers, and parents.