President Museveni Champions Technical Skills as Key to Uganda’s Future at Ntoroko Hub Launch
Ntoroko, Uganda – President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has emphasized that Uganda’s true path to national liberation lies in technology and skills development, not just politics, as he launched the Presidential Zonal Industrial Skilling Hub in Ntoroko District.
“Wealth comes from people, and people need skills,” Museveni told attendees, highlighting how colonial domination stemmed not from a lack of leadership but a lack of technology and practical know-how.
Free Training and Full Support for Underprivileged Youth
Museveni praised the hub for transforming the lives of youth from vulnerable backgrounds, offering them free vocational training, accommodation, meals, and healthcare. He likened the program’s impact to “adding salt to food that once had none.”
The President criticized leaders who resisted Universal Primary and Secondary Education, accusing them of sabotaging policies meant to uplift the poor.
“Children of the poor are government property. They must study,” he declared, urging churches and schools to stop charging illegal fees in public institutions.
Graduate Support and Funding
To empower graduates, Museveni announced a UGX 10 million donation to each beneficiary, encouraging them to become job creators, not job seekers. The Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa, described the hubs as “the missing link” after UPE and USE, calling them a practical solution to unemployment and rural poverty.
“These are not just statistics. These are real lives transformed,” Tayebwa said, citing stories of graduates running salons, building houses, and saving for business expansion.
Hub Achievements and Expansion Plans
William Kasozi, Chairperson of the Ntoroko Skilling Hub, reported that the current cohort includes 897 students (378 girls and 519 boys) from Bundibugyo, Fort Portal, and Ntoroko. The program covers hairdressing, tailoring, construction, and more, with plans to add plumbing, weaving, auto mechanics, and electrical installation.
To ensure sustainability, a SACCO (Savings and Credit Cooperative) has been created to help graduates access startup capital and scale their businesses.
Beneficiaries’ Testimonials
- Robinah Byamukama from Bundibugyo now runs a tailoring business, owns two sewing machines, supplies uniforms to schools, and is constructing rental units—all thanks to the training and support received at the hub.
- Moses Mutegeki, who trained in construction, now works with an NGO and has formed a youth group that received UGX 8 million through YLP to run a salon and begin manufacturing pavers.
- Christine Sanyu, a hairdressing graduate, turned her Shs 2,000 savings into a fully functioning salon that now employs others.
Looking Ahead
President Museveni instructed the hub leadership to increase instructors from 240 to 400 and expand accommodation as enrollment rises. With rural electrification in Ntoroko at just 8%, the inclusion of electrical training will help meet local needs.
The event was attended by key leaders, including ICT Minister Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, State House Comptroller Jane Barekye, Members of Parliament, and local leaders.
