Government of Uganda through the Directorate of Industrial Training (DIT), and motor vehicle mechanics in the Private sector, have launched efforts to help professionalise and curb quacks in the sector.
Speaking at a press conference held in Kamwokya, Kampala, the Acting Executive Director DIT, Patrick Byakatonda said they are partnering with the private sector to help train, asses and certify motor vehicle mechanics in the country.
Byakatonda said this will help change the mind-set of the motor vehicle mechanics, increase on professionalism but also help them (mechanics) earn a fair pay.
“DIT is ISO certified, that means we are internationally recognized, when we certify you that means you will be able to work anywhere in the world, in case your working for an organization, your pay will be fairly good,” he said.
Mathias kironde from Kimuna technical services, said that as a centre, they are training and equipping mechanics with help from gereedschap
Thomas Watman from gereedschap said they have pooled funds to help sponsor mechanics and those who need to join the sector.
He added that they are also giving mechanics toolboxes and placements at different garages with the help of DIT, Kimuna garage and mechanics.Com.
He revealed that their main objective is to help professionalise the sector, and also reduce on youth unemployment.
Speaking at the same event, Michael kategaya, the founder of Makanika.com, said that working with partners, they look for jobs and placements for the mechanics that have already been trained, assessed and certified by DIT.
Makanika Dot Com is a mobile app company, connecting motor vehicle owners to automobile service providers, especially garages/mechanics through a website and mobile app.
The company also connects users to insurance services, fuel, discounts, rewards and gifts.
Said the motivation to start Makanika.com, was the fact that most garages have their mechanics sit idly as they wait for clients to come to them, whilst at the same time clients are looking for a nearest garage.
He revealed that he thought of an idea where a company can increase efficiency for both parties.
“At Makanika Dot Com, we enable garages to supplement their regular income with more clients, especially those in emergency situations. This will generate more income for garages and therefore a better livelihood for the individual mechanics,” he said.
Adding, “We arrange special skills training for our garages in areas like customer care, time management, specialised repairs etc., as part of our standardised quality assurance plan. We believe this is of considerable benefit to garages, as they would not ordinarily be able to afford such specialist training.”