UGANDA, Masaka | Real Muloodi News | The Katikkiro of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga, expressed his appreciation for President Museveni and the government’s skilling initiative aimed at combating unemployment in Uganda.
Katikkiro Mayiga emphasised the importance of providing opportunities for the youth to acquire skills and find meaningful employment.
The Buganda Premier made these remarks during the launch of the Presidential Skilling Industrial Hub for the greater Masaka sub-region at Ndegeya Village in Bugabira Parish, Masaka.
Mayiga encouraged young people in the area to take advantage of the industrial hub, which offers free vocational training to youth aged 18-35 from the nine districts comprising the greater Masaka sub-region and Masaka city.
He emphasised the need for the youth to grasp this golden opportunity to acquire valuable skills that would benefit them throughout their lives. Mayiga urged them to recognise and seize the silent opportunities that come their way.
While praising the initiative, Mayiga also cautioned leaders not to undermine it and called for collaborative efforts in driving development.
He emphasised that matters of development transcend ideological inclinations, religious beliefs, and nationalities. To progress, individuals must be alert to and capitalise on the opportunities that arise.
Jane Barekye, the State House Comptroller, explained that President Museveni established the skilling hubs to address unemployment and uplift the economic status of individuals who did not have access to formal education.
The training programs encompass various skills such as tailoring, hairdressing, bricklaying, carpentry and joinery, craftsmanship, metal fabrication, food processing, bakery, and value addition.
Upon completion of the training, participants receive Level One Certificates of Uganda Vocational Qualifications and can access income-generating opportunities at the skilling centre, enabling them to create their businesses without incurring rental or power costs.
Barekye further highlighted that the skilling hubs have reduced criminal activities, particularly in Kampala, by empowering vulnerable ghetto youth and urban youth with marketable skills for self-reliance and wealth creation.
She encouraged the Katikkiro to send teams to visit the hubs in Kampala and witness the transformational work being done, fostering knowledge-sharing and collective efforts for the nation’s progress.
Barekye expressed President Museveni’s satisfaction with the strong working relationship between the central government and the Buganda Kingdom. She emphasised the importance of collaboration to foster national development and urged stakeholders to support government programs.
Vice President Emeritus Edward Kiwanuka Ssekandi lauded the skilling hubs and pledged his continued support for skill development in Uganda.
Godfrey Kiwanda Ssuubi, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Vice Chairman for Buganda, commended Katikkiro Charles Peter Mayiga for his commitment to facilitating developmental programs in partnership with the central government.
He emphasised that the skilling hubs aligned with the NRM government’s objective of achieving social-economic transformation and were in line with the Buganda Kingdom’s philosophy of hard work, known as “Okukola Obutaweera.”
Masaka’s Resident City Commissioner, Hudu Hussein, encouraged residents to embrace the skilling hub, emphasising that it provides free knowledge to all youth, regardless of their political affiliations.
Hussein urged the people of Masaka to dismiss negative sentiments and take full advantage of the opportunities presented.
Hon. Hanifa Kawooya Bangirana, the State Minister in Charge of Primary Health Care and Mawogola West Member of Parliament in Ssembabule District, praised Katikkiro Mayiga’s transformative message for the youth and commended his leadership for fostering a strong working relationship with the central government.
Kabuye Kyofatogabye, the Minister of State for Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs, who represented Minister for Presidency Milly Babirye Babalanda, stated that the 19 presidential skilling hubs aimed to address unemployment in Uganda and urged political leaders to embrace the initiative.
The launch of the Masaka Presidential Skilling Industrial Hub was attended by district leaders from the greater Masaka region, Engineer Raymond Kamugisha (Director of Presidential Projects/Industrial Hubs), Buddu Pokino Jude Muleke, Justine Nameere (Presidential Advisor for Greater Masaka), Bishop Emeritus Samuel Keefa Kamya Ssemakula (West Buganda Diocese), and Brig. Gen. Deus Sande (Commandant of the UPDF’s Masaka Armoured Brigade), among others.
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