President Museveni Launches Karamoja Skilling Hub To Drive Youth Empowerment
The President of Uganda, H.E. Gen (Rtd) Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, has officially opened the Karamoja Industrial and Skilling Hub in Napak District, marking the third such facility in Eastern Uganda under the Presidential Skilling Initiative.
This follows the earlier launch of similar hubs in Bukedi (Kibuku) and Teso (Soroti City) as part of his ongoing review of the Parish Development Model (PDM).
The President stressed the importance of industrial hubs in driving socio-economic transformation by equipping young Ugandans with practical skills. He encouraged the nation to focus on productive activities, particularly in four key sectors: commercial agriculture, manufacturing, services, and ICT. “The PDM targets commercial agriculture (sector one), while the skilling hubs focus on sector two and partially on sector three,” he explained.
Each hub will include a four-acre model farm to teach modern agricultural techniques. The centres will also offer courses in motor vehicle mechanics, weaving, and knitting, providing comprehensive training that meets market needs.
President Museveni also pledged financial support for district SACCOs aimed at helping industrial hub graduates, with funding to begin in the 2025/26 financial year.
Vice President H.E. Maj (Rtd) Jessica Rose Epel Alupo praised the President for establishing 19 industrial and skilling hubs across Uganda, highlighting the initiative’s inclusive nature, which benefits youth from various backgrounds. She encouraged the graduates to apply their new skills effectively and urged hub managers to operate with integrity.
Hon Peter Lokeris, the Minister for Karamoja Affairs, commended the President’s vision, noting that the skilling initiative, which started in Kampala, has now expanded nationwide. He also acknowledged the role of security agencies, particularly the 3 Division Commander, Major General Don Nabasa, in maintaining peace in Karamoja, enabling the success of development projects like the industrial hubs.
Hon Paul Kodet, Chairman of the Napak District and Board Chair of the Karamoja Industrial Hub, shared that the facility has trained 836 youths since its opening. The training includes carpentry, bakery, tailoring, welding, building, and concrete practices. He also thanked the President for supporting the rehabilitation of former Karamojong Street children, who are now benefiting from free primary education in Napak District.
At the event, three graduates: Aleper James Emma (shoemaking, Kotido Municipality), Opio Gibson (welding, Abim District), and Aber Rebecca (salon services, Kotido District), were each awarded UGX 5 million to support their income-generating ventures as part of efforts to improve household incomes and fight poverty in the region.
The ceremony was attended by ministers, Members of Parliament, senior security commanders, district officials, and local community members.