President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has been commended for initiating the
Zonal Industrial Hub program, aimed at skilling and curbing unemployment
among the youths.
According to Kween County Member of Parliament (MP), Hon. William
Chemonges, the Industrial Hub program is one of the serious initiatives
through which the NRM Government is supporting the local people wholeheartedly.
The MP made the remarks during the graduation ceremony of 216 students
at Sebei Zonal Industrial Hub situated at Nasak village, Chepsukunya Town
Council, in Kween district yesterday, Saturday January 7, 2023.
The graduates received Level I Certificates from the Directorate of Industrial
Training (DIT) after successfully completing a six months free training in
different vocational disciplines.
“I would like to thank President Museveni and the State House Comptroller,
Ms. Jane Barekye, for putting a very special interest in implementing this
skilling initiative. I must thank you for that because this is one of the serious
initiatives of the NRM Government which is supporting the local people. As
a Member of Parliament, I will take the issue to the House and I think the
committee in charge should again take interest and study this well so that,
if need be, we may have to add more funds in this initiative,” Hon.
Chemonges pledged.
“It's now upon us as Government to ensure that we have clear policies that
can guide these graduates on their next endeavors.”
Hon. Chemonges also promised to employ some of the graduates such as
carpenters and welders in his engineering firm.
“Madam Chief Guest, you are in a better off position. We need to have a
policy in the country that will make every company, even if international,
where the priority of all the technical jobs should be given to Ugandans
because that is how we shall realise the impact of this investment,” he
added.
He went ahead and gave his short history with intent to motivate the
graduates.
“I remember in 2002 when I sat for my O' level, there was no one among all
my caretakers to take me to A' level or any other vocational Institute. I had
to do all what it takes to mobilise all my relatives to get me fees. Some sold
their land for me to go to UTC Elgon in Mbale to study a craft certificate
course in plumbing. I almost failed to do my exams in the final semester.
Good enough, there was a technical course I had already started doing. I
went to Mbale to do private plumbing work and that is what gave me the
money that I used to pay for my final semester of my course. I am really
very proud of that story because now I'm your Member of Parliament and I
think I'm going to be your Member of Parliament for some good time,” he
said.
On her part, Ms. Barekye, who represented the President, advised the
youths in Sebei Sub-region to work hard and get their families out of
poverty.
“Utilise these skills by engaging in productive activities and get poverty out
of your families and develop the economy of Uganda,” Ms. Barekye said.
Addressing the attentive audience, the State House Comptroller revealed
that President Museveni initiated the Zonal Industrial Hub skilling program
with a vision of curbing unemployment among the youths. She, therefore,
urged the beneficiaries to utilise the chance by putting their acquired skills
into proper use.
“And now that you have qualified with your certificates, please, move
forward and create jobs. Don't aim at being job seekers. Create jobs for
yourselves and others as well because when you start up a saloon, you
cannot work in it alone. You have to employ others to help you,” she said.
“Parents, these children are coming back home. Please, guide them,
support them in any way possible! Teach them how to save because if they
don't save, they will not develop, they will not support their families. Our
learners, thank you for agreeing to be transformed. You would have failed
us if you were not in agreement with us.”
Ms. Barekye further tasked leaders to support the graduates in achieving
their dreams of transforming their lives.
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