President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni is set to expand the Presidential Zonal Industrial Skilling Hubs programme with the construction of 17 additional training centres across the country, further strengthening government efforts to tackle youth unemployment through vocational skills development.
The announcement was made by the State House as the sixth intake of learners officially commenced training at the existing 19 Presidential Zonal Industrial Skilling Hubs.
The hubs were established by President Museveni to equip young Ugandans with practical and employable skills in trades such as carpentry, welding, tailoring, building and construction, mechanics, shoe making and hairdressing.
The programme offers free training, accommodation, meals and learning materials, with graduates receiving certificates from the Uganda Vocational and Technical Assessment Board (UVTAB), equivalent to the Uganda Certificate of Education.
According to Eng. Raymond Kamugisha, the Director of Presidential Projects and Industrial Hubs at State House, a total of 4,560 students have been admitted under the sixth intake.
“We have enrolled 4,560 students this year. Before the end of the current Financial Year, State House will commence the construction of 17 additional hubs across the country to increase access to skills training and empower more young people,” Eng. Kamugisha said.
Transforming Lives Through Skills
At the Madi Presidential Zonal Industrial Skilling Hub in Adjumani District, 240 students from Adjumani, Moyo and Obongi districts reported for training.
Hub Manager Christopher Ijjo said the initiative has significantly improved the livelihoods of many young people in the region.
“Since its establishment, the hub has changed the economic fortunes of many youths. A good number of our graduates have started their own businesses and are now earning a living from the skills they acquired here,” Ijjo said.
He also praised President Museveni for introducing a Shs50 million revolving fund channelled through district graduate SACCOs to support former trainees in establishing businesses.
“The Presidential support fund has enabled many beneficiaries to acquire start-up capital and become self-reliant,” he added.
John Bosco Olanyi, the Head of the Footwear Department at the hub, said the training goes beyond technical competence. “Our programmes are designed to ensure that learners acquire employable skills and become job creators rather than job seekers,” Olanyi said.
Discipline, Patriotism and Mindset Change
At the Acholi Presidential Industrial Skilling Hub in Gulu, students began orientation exercises before registration.
The Hub Manager, Jimmy Lawrence Adong, said the centre had admitted 240 students drawn from eight districts, one city and one municipality across the Acholi sub-region.
“We place emphasis not only on technical skills but also on discipline, patriotism and mindset change. These values are essential in producing responsible citizens and productive members of society,” Adong said.
He further commended President Museveni for introducing military drills as part of the training programme.
According to Adong, the exercises have played a key role in instilling discipline and shaping the character of learners.
Call for More Opportunities
The Deputy Resident City Commissioner for Gulu, Amir Kamba, who received students at the Acholi hub, said the programme has restored hope among many young people in Northern Uganda.
“The Presidential Industrial Hubs have transformed the lives of many youths who had lost hope. However, the demand for training opportunities remains high, and I appeal to the President to increase the number of beneficiaries admitted in every intake,” Kamba said.
New students also expressed optimism about the opportunities provided through the programme.
Enderu Winnie Desire, who travelled from Moyo District to enrol at the Madi Industrial Hub, described the initiative as a life-changing opportunity.
“I am grateful to President Museveni for creating this opportunity. Many young people like me had limited prospects after school, but this programme gives us hope and practical skills to secure our future,” she said.
Achiro Sunday, a student from Lamwo District, admitted to the Acholi Hub, echoed similar sentiments. “I thank President Museveni for thinking about the youth. This programme is a blessing to many of us because it equips us with skills that can help us become self-employed and support our families,” Achiro said.
Expanding a Flagship Programme
The Presidential Zonal Industrial Skilling Hubs have become one of the government’s flagship interventions aimed at addressing youth unemployment and promoting wealth creation through vocational and technical skills training.
With 17 additional hubs expected to be established before the end of the financial year, officials say the programme will significantly expand access to vocational education and empower thousands more young Ugandans with skills needed to participate in the country’s growing economy.