NTOROKO— In a landmark move to boost youth empowerment and economic development, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni officially commissioned the Presidential Zonal Industrial Hub in Ntoroko District. The initiative marks a significant step in Uganda’s strategy to combat poverty and unemployment through practical skills training, innovation, and technology.
The hub offers free vocational training targeting youth, especially from underprivileged and marginalized backgrounds. It forms part of the government’s broader efforts to create employment by equipping young people with practical, income-generating skills.
Speaking at the launch, President Museveni emphasized that true national liberation extends beyond political independence—it lies in empowering citizens with the skills to generate wealth.
“The real liberation is in skills. Wealth comes from people, and these skilling hubs are designed to create that wealth,” he remarked.
Reflecting on Africa’s colonial past, the president said the continent wasn’t lacking in culture or leadership, but rather in technological know-how, which allowed colonial domination.
“In colonial times, we had kings, poets, witch doctors, and priests—but we lacked technology. That’s why Europeans prevailed,” he noted.
The Ntoroko hub is one of many across the country providing not just training but also free accommodation, meals, and medical care to learners. The program is designed to turn young Ugandans into job creators rather than job seekers.
President Museveni also revisited earlier government education reforms such as Universal Primary Education (UPE) and Universal Secondary Education (USE). While acknowledging their noble intentions, he criticized local leaders and institutions for undermining these programs through illegal fees, which denied many children access to education. He urged religious leaders and local authorities to correct these injustices and commit to equitable education access.
The launch was praised by Deputy Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa, who called the industrial hubs a “game-changer” in tackling youth unemployment and complementing past education reforms.
“This program is the missing link after UPE and USE. It equips youth to become job creators, and we pledge Parliament’s continued support,” Tayebwa stated.
Mr. William Kasozi, Chairperson of the Ntoroko Skilling Hub, shared that the center has already enrolled 897 learners—including 378 girls and 519 boys—from Ntoroko, Bundibugyo, and Fort Portal City. To support the graduates, the hub has launched a Skilling Hub SACCO to provide access to savings and credit facilities for business startups.
In response to growing demand, the hub plans to increase its instructor count from 240 to 400 and introduce new courses such as weaving, plumbing, automobile mechanics, and electrical installation. Kasozi emphasized the importance of electrical training, especially in a district where electrification stands at only 8%.
Several graduates shared stories of success and transformation. Robinah Byamukama, a tailoring graduate from Bundibugyo, used a Shs 200,000 reward to buy a sewing machine. She now supplies school uniforms, owns two machines, and is constructing rental houses.
“Thank you so much, President Museveni, for this program. May you live forever,” she said emotionally.
Moses Mutegeki, trained in construction, has built houses, joined an NGO to train youth, and co-founded a construction company. His group received Shs 8 million from the Youth Livelihood Programme to start a salon and paving business.
“If this hub had been here 10 years ago, I’d be further in life. But even now, I’ve achieved a lot,” he reflected.
Christine Sanyu, a hairdressing trainee, began her salon business with just Shs 2,000. Today, she runs a thriving salon that employs others.
“The knowledge and confidence I gained from this program helped me start and grow my own business,” she shared.
Closing the event, President Museveni encouraged all Ugandans to seize the opportunities provided by these hubs, calling on citizens to actively contribute to building a self-reliant and prosperous nation.
