The State House Comptroller, Ms. Jane Barekye, has clarified that the Presidential Initiative on Skilling the Girl and Boy Child (PISGBC) is non-partisan and aims to benefit all needy Ugandans in Kampala city.
“I really don’t think that any Ugandan should put politics in the skilling project because skilling is not sectarian. It is not based on any political affiliation or religion. We skill every Ugandan, so whoever wants to put politics of sectarianism in skilling is a person who hates all the people of Uganda, and no one should follow them,” she cautioned.
Ms. Barekye made these remarks as students of Mutundwe Skilling Centre in Rubaga Division showcased their products ahead of their final exams. Similar events have been taking place at the eight skilling centres around Kampala, including Luzira, Wabigalo, Kigoowa, Kikoni, Wandegeya, Nakulabye, Mulago, and the Subway Skilling Centre.
Ms. Barekye also expressed profound gratitude to the parents and students of PISGBC for their support and trust in President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, who has initiated a solution for the bright future of Ugandans.
“I understand that difficult situations can sometimes lead young people to misbehave, but we thank God that the President thought of a solution. This skilling initiative is transforming the lives of those who had lost hope,” she remarked.
The State House Comptroller reminded the beneficiaries to be ambassadors of the President’s project by working hard and maintaining discipline.
“To all students who have completed their courses, remember that you are the President’s children wherever you go because he has provided you with these skills. Your good conduct will promote the skilling project of the President,” she pointed out.
Ms. Barekye also urged parents to support their children with some capital to start enterprises related to the skills they have acquired. She thanked church leaders, particularly Rev. Stephen Lumu, for hosting the skilling project and pledged to increase the number of courses for boys, given the ample space at the facility.
The Kampala Resident City Commissioner (RCC), Ms. Aminah Lukanga, praised the impressive work done by the students at the centre. She encouraged everyone to support the project by purchasing products made by students of the nine skilling centres.
“I am very impressed by the work done by the girls and boys at all the nine skilling centres. As you can see, I am wearing a dress made by our students at the Subway Skilling Centre. This shows how much we are impressed, and I am already part of them. They have shoes, decorations, furniture, and everything. Oh my God, we have reached our top,” she said.
Ms. Lukanga reminded leaders to recommend only vulnerable children from Kampala for the next intake.
The Special Presidential Assistant on Skilling and Education and Head of PISGBC, Dr. Faith Mirembe Katana, commended President Museveni for the initiative that has transformed the lives of the youth.
“God should bless the President because he has truly done his best for these children whose lives have now improved,” she pointed out.
Dr. Katana noted that many enrolled youths are troubled individuals and encouraged parents to bless their children rather than curse or chase them away from home.
“Imagine a parent telling his or her child to leave home and stay on the streets. Pushing your kids away from home and ignoring them only turns them into troubled individuals. Please bless your children. We have enrolled many troubled individuals, but we do so with a purpose of helping them through counselling to become better citizens,” she said.
The Administrator of Mutundwe Skilling Centre, Ms. Jane Nakitto, announced that the centre offers courses in tailoring, knitting, embroidery, shoe making, hairdressing, bakery, and catering. She added that 331 girls and 73 boys are ready to sit for their exams.
Some students, such as Waiswa Ngobi, Prossy Byokusenge, and Irene Nalugo, shared emotional testimonies expressing their heartfelt gratitude to the President for the initiative that has transformed their lives.
The PISGBC project has also incorporated extracurricular subjects like Patriotism to instill in students the spirit of loving themselves and their country.