By Mike Rwothomio

ZOMBO – Over 80 trainees from the West Nile Zonal Presidential Skilling Hub in Zombo are set to benefit from a UGX 100 million investment from State House under the Presidential Initiative on Skilling the Youth.

This funding aims to bolster the hub’s Savings and Credit Cooperative Organization (SACCO), empowering graduates to launch entrepreneurial ventures.

Amos Jacan, Zombo’s District Youth Chairperson, noted that the 100 million SACCO funding will enable trainees to acquire startup kits, fostering self-reliance through income-generating enterprises.

He urged youth to leverage this initiative to enhance their livelihoods.

"We lobbied this from the government, now we have formed the SACCO ready to receive Ugx 100 million under Presidential skilling hub innitiave, it's inform of loan, I encourage the beneficiaries to effectively utilize the funds to transform their lives " Jacan told this Publication in an interview.

The first batch of students for their graduation at West Nile Zonal Presidential skilling hub in Aka Sub county, Zombo district in April 2023. Photo/ Mike Rwothomio

The announcement follows President Yoweri Museveni’s recent directive to expand skilling hubs nationwide, targeting a capacity of 500 learners per hub.

Planned enhancements include additional dormitories and specialized training facilities for high-demand trades such as motor mechanics, plumbing, and electrical installation.

Mr. Godfrey Longa, Senior Presidential Advisor for Political Affairs, emphasized during a recent engagement in Maracha that President Museveni has instructed youth in every district to form associations and register SACCOs, with dedicated funding to support these efforts.

The Zombo beneficiaries, drawn from various sub-counties, are part of cohorts graduating since 2023 from the Zombo hub in Aka Sub-County.

Serving over 10 West Nile districts, the hub annually graduates more than 200 students equipped with practical skills.

Established in West Nile, the Presidential Skilling Hub has graduated over 600 youths from over 10 West Nile's districts since 2023, offering training in high-demand fields such as hairdressing, carpentry, and mechanics.

Songa Biyika Lawrence, Ora County MP, underscored the transformative impact of hands-on skills for youth employability.

The initiative addresses Uganda’s youth unemployment crisis, with over 70% of the population being young.

Amos Jacan, the Youth chairperson of Zombo noted that the Ugx 100 million will be given to the beneficiaries as loans.

Speaking at the recent Pagisi-Namthin road groundbreaking ceremony, Zombo’s Resident District Commissioner, Festus Ayikobua, advocated for youth participation in government programs to combat poverty.

Currently, 19 Presidential Industrial Hubs nationwide train over 12,000 youth annually in practical disciplines, including construction, welding, tailoring, and agriculture.

President Museveni recently launched the Rwenzori Presidential Skilling Hub in Kasese, reinforcing the National Resistance Movement’s (NRM) commitment to poverty alleviation through skill development.

The Presidential Initiative on Skilling the Girl/Boy Child provides free training in trades such as hairdressing, tailoring, and bakery for needy youth. Requiring only a national ID and an LC1 recommendation letter, the program offers free meals Monday through Friday. After six months, trainees undergo assessments by the Directorate of Industrial Training (DIT) and receive certificates.

Launched on April 14, 2017, with 850 students, the program saw its first cohort graduate on October 30, 2017. Since its inception, it has empowered thousands with market-relevant skills.

Acquiring practical, market-driven skills through the Presidential Skilling Initiative equips youth with the tools to secure employment or launch their own businesses. These skills enhance financial independence, foster innovation, and contribute to economic growth, enabling graduates to thrive in competitive job markets and drive community development.

Mike Rwothomio is news editor at zoomer Africa