education 3 October 2026 State House (Uganda)
New Presidential Skilling Hub Planned for Bugiri District
President Museveni's initiative to equip youth with vocational skills is expanding with a new Presidential Industrial Skilling Hub slated for Bugiri District. This move aims to broaden access to essential training and entrepreneurial opportunities across the Busoga sub-region. Source: https://statehouse.go.ug/president-museveni-commended-for-skilling-initiative-as-state-house-announces-new-hub-in-busoga
Plans are underway to establish an additional Presidential Industrial Skilling Hub in Bugiri District, following a directive from President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. State House Comptroller, Ms. Jane Barekye, urged local leaders in Bugiri to identify suitable land for the construction of the new facility, emphasizing the President’s commitment to expanding vocational training.
The announcement came during a stakeholders’ meeting at the Busoga Zonal Presidential Industrial Skilling Hub in Jinja City. During the meeting, leaders from across the Busoga region gathered with State House officials and local government representatives. The initiative has been praised for its role in combating youth unemployment by providing practical skills for self-employment and entrepreneurship.
Shabiru Isabirye, the LC V Chairperson of Iganga District and head of the Busoga Zonal hub, commended President Museveni for the skilling program. He highlighted that political affiliation should not hinder recognition of beneficial government initiatives, noting his own position as an opposition member praising the program’s impact.
Concerns were raised regarding potential interference in the selection of beneficiaries, with allegations that well-connected individuals might be displacing targeted vulnerable youth. Ms. Barekye assured that the State House would enhance verification processes, including home visits, to ensure the program reaches its intended recipients. Discussions also touched on the need for land titles and fencing for existing hub properties to prevent encroachment.
The Presidential Industrial Skilling Hubs currently offer training in trades such as welding, tailoring, and carpentry, with plans to introduce new courses including electrical installation and plumbing. The program aims to address unemployment driven by population growth and limited access to formal education.
This engagement in Jinja follows similar meetings in Kayunga, underscoring State House’s ongoing efforts to monitor the effectiveness of the skilling hubs, resolve challenges faced by trainees, and facilitate the successful transition of graduates into meaningful employment and business ventures.
Source: State House Uganda