West Nile Region to Get Second Presidential Skilling Hub Amidst Warnings to Inactive Leaders

The West Nile sub-region is set to benefit from a second Presidential Industrial Skilling Hub, as announced by State House. This expansion of the program aims to further equip vulnerable youth with vital vocational skills, fostering entrepreneurship and enabling sustainable livelihoods. Concurrently, State House officials have issued a strong caution to district leaders across West Nile.

During a meeting with various local government and NRM stakeholders in Zombo District, Eng. Raymond Kamugisha, Director of Presidential Projects, and Godfrey Longa, Special Presidential Assistant, addressed concerns about program implementation. Longa specifically criticized inactive district hub committees, urging leaders to shift from complaining to problem-solving. He stressed the patriotic duty of leaders to support initiatives that transform the lives of young people.

Longa further outlined the specific roles expected from different leadership positions: district chairpersons are to ensure manifesto implementation, RDCs are to guarantee security, NRM chairpersons should monitor progress, and technical officers must provide post-training guidance. He also decried leaders demanding transport allowances for meetings or suggesting virtual alternatives over physical engagement, labeling such attitudes as requiring a significant mindset change.

“Those who think they will fail this programme will be dealt with because when the President starts something, it must succeed,” Longa declared, emphasizing the seriousness with which the government views this presidential initiative. He did, however, commend district commercial officers for their role in organizing graduates into SACCOs, facilitating access to startup capital, with several districts already reporting substantial loan disbursements.

Kamugisha, representing State House Comptroller Jane Barekye, challenged leaders to mirror President Museveni’s commitment to wealth creation, questioning their personal investment in commercial agriculture despite repeated presidential calls. The announcement of the second hub, slated for Maracha District if land is secured, or Arua District otherwise, signifies a continued commitment to skill development in the region.

Testimonies from beneficiaries like Sharon Giramia, who established a salon and boutique with SACCO funds, and Shamsa Jafar, who launched a successful bag-making business targeting international markets, highlighted the transformative impact of the program. The Presidential Industrial Skilling Hubs Programme remains a cornerstone government initiative focused on empowering unemployed youth through free vocational training, entrepreneurship support, and startup capital.

This article is based on reporting from Nile Post.