Two hundred and seventy-one youth from different parts of the country have graduated with vocational skills after undergoing intensive training at St Charles Lwanga Bukerere in Mukono District.
The entire training that benefited both in and out-of school young people was sponsored by the Rotary Club of Bukerere. Some youth travelled from distant places such as Jinja, Ntungamo, Kyenjojo, and Buikwe to participate in the two-month program designed to equip them with essential hands-on skills.
The training imparted skills in different fields including motor vehicle mechanics, tailoring, shoe making, hairdressing, bakery, paver making, building and construction.
“This training was entirely free. It is unprecedented in this area. We ensured these youth received high-quality instruction over two months,” explained the Charter (founding) President of the Rotary Club of Bukerere, Rtn Kirungi. “We had expert trainers from St Johns Vocational Institute, who were fully dedicated to these learners. Through this, we among other things, hope to curb crime.”
Lieutenant Governor Kate Barasa of Rotary District 9213 who was the guest of honour, applauded RC Bukeerere and President Elect John Martin Kakooza, who supervised the training throughout and ensured that there was no day the youth left without learning something.
“Special appreciation to our President Elect, John Martini, for the great passion and the sacrifice he made,” said Lt Governor Barasa. “Thank you, RC Bukeerere, for the great contribution, and we also appreciate St Charles Lwanga for giving us a free venue to train these youth. The skilling project has no doubt imparted both practical and soft skills to them.”
Assistant Governor, Michael Nuwagaba, said District Governor Geoffrey Martin Kitakule, who also officially commissioned the training on December 13, 2025, was extremely happy with the club’s efforts to equip the youth with survival skills.
“The Governor has kept abreast with the progress of the skilling project, and he appreciates this club so much,” AG Nuwagaba reported. “He has advised that we endeavour to have the videos of the youth doing the practical work projected to the world as testimonies of the great work done by RC Bukeerere.”
Sarah Sandi, 22, one of the beneficiaries of the bakery training, said she had lost hope after dropping out of school due to financial challenges. She, however, expressed optimism that the skills she has acquired will change her life’s story.
“I have learned how to bake bread, cakes, and snacks,” she said. “We have been receiving daily lunch and mentorship from Rotarians in business and hospitality, yet we did not pay any fees. I am now confident that I can survive on my own.”
James Mukasa, 28, said he had been dreaming of becoming a motor vehicle mechanic, a dream RC Bukeerere has helped him realise at no cost.
“I dropped out of school because of financial challenges,” Mukasa said. “I had been praying for an opportunity to learn motor vehicle mechanics, and I am happy I have acquired the skills. I can now repair the engine, gear system and many other parts.”
President Elect Kakooza announced that the Ministry of Gender has promised to partner with RC Bukeerere to ensure that the trained youth have access to equipment that would enable them implement whatever they have learned.
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