MBARARA – President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has officially launched the Ankole Zonal Presidential Industrial Hub in Muko Village, Mbarara District, as part of a nationwide initiative to promote vocational skills and economic growth.
“I am very happy to see that the youth here are taking advantage of this opportunity to acquire skills and improve their livelihoods,” President Museveni said during the launch. “This hub is a transformative step in the region’s economic empowerment, and I am proud to see the progress that has been made.”
The Ankole Zonal Presidential Industrial Hub is one of 19 similar facilities across Uganda, aiming to equip over 12,000 youths annually with skills in various trades such as hairdressing, welding, carpentry, and tailoring.
President Museveni emphasized the importance of guidance and advice in breaking the cycle of poverty. “I have always said that poverty is a result of lack of knowledge and lack of skills,” he said. “But with initiatives like this hub, we are giving our youth the tools they need to succeed.”
He reflected on the introduction of free education in government schools in 1996, which has helped overcome financial barriers for families in rural areas. However, he noted that many ordinary people have not fully utilized these opportunities, resulting in high dropout rates, particularly in regions like Karamoja.
“We need to make sure that our people are taking advantage of these opportunities,” President Museveni said. “We need to make sure that our children are staying in school and acquiring the skills they need to succeed.”
To address this, President Museveni reiterated his commitment to ensuring every sub-county has a primary school and each parish has a secondary school. He pledged continued investment in infrastructure, including teachers’ houses, laboratories, and additional schools, to make education more accessible and affordable for rural children.
The President also announced plans to increase the intake capacity at the industrial hub, prioritize the construction of more dormitories for students, and establish a factory to produce paper from banana fibers.
“We want to make sure that our youth have access to the skills and training they need to succeed,” President Museveni said. “We want to make sure that our economy is growing and thriving, and that our people are benefiting from that growth.”
Her Excellency the Vice President Jessica Alupo thanked the President for the zonal tours and urged the residents to keep supporting the President saying he is the one with development programmes.
“Let us continue to support our President and his initiatives,” Vice President Alupo said. “Let us work together to build a brighter future for ourselves and for our children.”
Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa encouraged the youth to first save and think of spending later, saying, “My grandmother would first pack for us food to take to school and thereafter serve the rest of the food.”
The Zonal hub Chairperson, Mr. Kasagara Edward, who also serves as the Chief Administrative Officer of Rubirizi District, requested an increase in the capacity of each district from 14 to 25 students, along with the addition of plumbing and electrical installation courses.
“We are grateful for the support of the President and the government,” Mr. Kasagara said. “We are committed to making sure that our youth have access to the skills and training they need to succeed.”
The occasion was attended by Ministers, Members of Parliament, local leaders, parents of graduates, among others.
So far, 720 students have graduated from the hub, each receiving a certificate from the Directorate of Industrial Training (DIT) after completing the six-month program. President Museveni praised several graduates who have started successful businesses and contributed Shs 40 million to four graduates to boost their businesses. He also donated Shs 10 million to a local women’s group and Shs 10 million to the Industrial Hub SACCO.
