The Prime Minister of Uganda, Robinah Nabbanja, has underscored the need for the youths to embrace the vocational skills offered by the presidential skilling hubs if the country is to thrive as a middle-income economy.
Nabbanja has urged Ugandans to change their mindset about vocational training and see it as a valuable, respectable, and profitable path, adding that vocational training nurtures an environment of innovation and entrepreneurship.
Nabbanja, who is also the Woman Member of Parliament for Kakumiro district, made the remarks on May 5, 2024, at the second graduation ceremony of the Bunyoro Zonal Presidential Industrial Hub, which is located in Nyakarongo village in Kimengo sub-county, Masindi district.
She reiterated that NRM is committed to skilling Ugandans since, according to Nabbanja, it is a key component of the country’s national development agenda to empower the youth, reduce unemployment, and drive economic growth.
“The NRM government is focusing on initiatives like establishing industrial training institutes and innovation hubs to help us achieve our development agenda. We have enhanced the education curriculum in schools to include practical and technical skills. These efforts aim to align educational outcomes with labor market demands and the broader economic needs of the country,” Rt. Hon. Nabbanja said.
She further underscored the need for vocational skills in breeding job creators and fostering economic development.
“Skills such as carpentry, plumbing, agriculture, and information technology are not just pathways to employment; they are the backbone of our economy. These are the skills that build nations. China is now a global economic power because of its skilled people,” she noted.
A total of 454 trainees from the second and third intakes completed their vocational training and were awarded certificates in seven (7) disciplines, namely: bakery and confectionery, tailoring and design, hairdressing and makeup, building and construction practice, carpentry and joinery, welding and metal fabrications, as well as leather processing (shoe making).
The trainees for the Bunyoro Zonal Presidential Industrial Hub hail from Hoima City, Hoima District, Masindi, Masindi Municipality, Kiryandongo, Buliisa, Kikuube, Kagadi, Kibale, and Kakumiro, with each district contributing at least 22 trainees.
Each learner was awarded a Uganda Vocational Qualifications Level One Certificate by the Directorate of Industrial Training (DIT), which is equivalent to the Uganda Certificate of Education level and internationally recognized in the world of work.
