Second Presidential Industrial Hub for North Karamoja Announced

President Yoweri Museveni is expanding vocational training opportunities in the Karamoja sub-region with the allocation of a second Presidential Zonal Industrial Hub. This initiative aims to equip more young people with practical skills for both employment and entrepreneurship.

The new hub will specifically serve the North Karamoja cluster, encompassing districts such as Abim, Karenga, Kaabong, and Kotido. This development was confirmed by State House Comptroller Jane Barekye during a recent stakeholder meeting at the existing Karamoja Zonal Industrial Hub in Napak District.

The Napak hub will continue to support areas including Nakapiripirit, Nabilatuk, Napak, and Moroto. Barekye noted that the establishment of the additional hub fulfills a campaign pledge made by President Museveni to the people of Karamoja and aligns with the government’s broader strategy for youth empowerment.

Local leaders present at the meeting welcomed the announcement and expressed readiness to facilitate the project. Several officials, including the Chairperson of Kotido District Local Council Five, Lotee Paul Komol, and the Deputy RDC of Karenga, Ronald Kedi Ongodia, pledged their support. Johnny De West Ariko, the LCV Chairperson for Abim District, confirmed that they have already secured 70 acres of land with a title for the new facility.

The Presidential Zonal Industrial Hubs initiative offers six-month hands-on training in trades like carpentry, tailoring, welding, mechanics, and agribusiness. Graduates are supported to form SACCOs to access startup capital and acquire necessary tools. During the meeting, John Bosco Lorot was introduced as the new Finance Manager for the Karamoja Zonal Industrial Hub, tasked with overseeing financial operations, including the management of SACCO funds.

This expansion is expected to boost skills development, increase household incomes, and contribute to the overall economic growth of the Karamoja region. This initiative is part of a government program designed to combat youth unemployment through skills development and fostering entrepreneurship.

Source: Nile Post