Karamoja Leaders Hail Museveni's Skilling Programme As Industrial Hubs Transform Youth Livelihoods

Leaders in Uganda's Karamoja sub-region have lauded President Museveni's Presidential Industrial Hubs initiative, describing it as a transformative program that equips young people, including those with disabilities, with practical skills for self-employment. This praise follows the successful establishment of the Karamoja Zonal Industrial Hub in Napak District, which has seen more than 1,460 youths complete vocational training since its launch in 2023.

“

This initiative is transformative. Many of our young people now have practical skills that enable them to earn a living and support their families.

John Paul Kodet Ditecks, the Napak District chairperson and head of the Karamoja Zonal Industrial Hub, stated that the program has substantially enhanced youth employability across the region. Beneficiaries receive hands-on training in various trades, including bricklaying, carpentry and joinery, hairdressing, plumbing, and shoemaking. Ditecks emphasized the initiative's impact, noting, "This initiative is transformative. Many of our young people now have practical skills that enable them to earn a living and support their families."

Among the current trainees is 27-year-old Dennis Opio, a resident of Abim District who has a physical disability affecting one hand. Despite this challenge, Opio is diligently training in shoemaking. His instructor, Caroline Inyakoit, described him as a dedicated and fast learner, noting his passion and rapid progress. Opio, who previously relied on casual work, is now optimistic about a brighter future thanks to the hub.

“

Though he uses only one hand, he is passionate about the craft and eager to learn. Within just a month, he has already started making shoes. Before joining the hub, he survived on casual work in his village, but we are optimistic his future is now much brighter.

The initiative has been hailed as a "game changer" in tackling youth unemployment. Kotido Municipality Mayor Peter Abrahams Irar expressed being "overwhelmed by the number of young people seeking to enrol," indicating strong demand and impact. This success has led to calls for establishing additional hubs to accommodate more beneficiaries.

“

We are overwhelmed by the number of young people seeking to enrol in these skilling centres. This clearly shows the demand and impact of the programme. That is why we are advocating for the establishment of an additional hub to cater for more beneficiaries.

During a regional stakeholders' meeting, government officials announced plans to introduce stone crushing as a new value-addition enterprise, leveraging Karamoja's natural resources. State House Comptroller Jane Barekye urged local governments to support graduates by awarding them contracts for goods like school uniforms and furniture, thereby helping to sustain their businesses. The government has also earmarked significant funding for such initiatives.

“

In other regions, value addition focuses on food crops. Here in Karamoja, we are introducing stone crushing so that beneficiaries can generate income from locally available resources.