Mukono District Sends Youth for 5th Intake at Mengo Zonal Industrial Hub, Urges Them to Embrace Skills for Personal and Career Growth

Mukono District Headquarters:

In a continued effort to combat youth unemployment and promote skills development, Mukono District Local Government has officially flagged off a new cohort of students for the 5th intake of the Presidential Skilling Program like at the Mengo Zonal Industrial Hub in Kayunga District.

The briefing, held at Mukono District Headquarters, prepared the selected participants for their six-month residential training at the Hub. The skilling program, fully funded by H.E. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni through State House, offers hands-on vocational training in various fields including Tailoring & Garment Design, Carpentry and Joinery, Welding and Metal Fabrication, Hairdressing, Bakery and Confectionary, Building and Construction and Design (Shoe making)

Participants were drawn from several sub-counties and town councils including Kasawo, Nama, Ntenjeru-Kisoga, Kyampisi, Mpata, Kasawo Town Council, and Nakifuma-Naggalama Town Council. During the orientation, youth were encouraged to embrace this opportunity with discipline, determination, and a clear focus on shaping their futures.

District leaders used the platform to emphasize the importance of self-drive, personal responsibility, and avoiding peer pressure, sexual misconduct, or other distractions during the course of training.

Speaking on behalf of the District Chairperson LC V Hon. Rev. Dr. Peter Bakaluba Mukasa, the Vice Chairperson LC V and Secretary for Finance and Administration Hon. Kabali Jorem Kimera urged the youth to treat the program as a launching pad for personal and career transformation.

“Use this first step in your life to create a foundation for your future. Focus on starting your own path and upgrading your skills. This is only the beginning, and it can lead you into your field of interest,” he advised.

The Deputy Chief Administrative Officer, Mr. Steven Muhumuza, commended Ms. Najuma Zamu, the Community Development Officer, for overseeing a transparent, corruption-free recruitment process. He remarked that while many government programs face allegations of bribery, this exercise stood out for its fairness and professionalism.

“There’s no government that creates jobs for every citizen. But it supports those who take initiative. You are among the few selected—use this chance to rise,” he added.

Assistant RDC Mdm. Baroma Esther Nakyaze inspired the youth by sharing her personal journey. She began her career as a hairdresser and gradually rose to establish the Baloma Institute of Vocational Studies. Her story of persistence, customer care, and professionalism served as a powerful reminder of what is possible through skill and character.

“Clients reward value. Stay professional, be dependable, and build a reputation of excellence,” she urged.

Hon. Wampi Nathan, Secretary for Production and Councilor representing Katosi Town Council, reminded the students that their selection was no accident.

“You are not here by mistake. Respect your trainers, stay away from politics, and focus on the goal that brought you here,” he emphasized.

During the event, GISO Mr. Nickson Richard introduced Deputy RDC Mr. Moses Muyambi, who echoed calls for transparency and parental support in shaping youth success. He applauded the recruitment process and pledged more support to share motivating stories like Mdm. Baroma’s with future intakes.

The Presidential Industrial Skilling Program, launched in 2022, initially supported 21 students per district. That figure was later revised to 13 to allow municipalities to benefit as well. The program covers all costs tuition, accommodation, meals, and startup capital offered upon graduation through district and municipal SACCOs.

The Mengo Zonal Industrial Hub, officially commissioned by President Museveni on 20th June 2025 in Gangama, Nazigo Town Council, recruits’ youth from 18 administrative units including Mukono, Buikwe, Kayunga, Buvuma, and several municipalities such as Mukono, Kiira, Lugazi, Entebbe, and Nansana.

As the 5th intake commences, Mukono District continues to demonstrate its commitment to youth empowerment through inclusive, skills-based programs. The district leadership remains hopeful that these young beneficiaries will graduate not only with employable skills but also with the mindset and confidence to become job creators. With government support, mentorship, and their own resilience, these youth are expected to contribute significantly to Uganda’s journey toward socioeconomic transformation and self-reliance.