Napak, Uganda: Government is set to expand youth empowerment and enterprise development in Karamoja through the establishment of an Industrial Skilling Hub in Kaabong District, making it the second such facility in the sub-region after the Napak Industrial Skilling Hub.
The planned hub is expected to equip young people with practical technical skills, promote entrepreneurship and create employment opportunities, enabling graduates to establish sustainable businesses and improve household incomes.
The development follows President Museveni’s directive that Kaabong should host an Industrial Skilling Hub. However, neighbouring districts have also been encouraged to express interest should Kaabong fail to secure suitable land for the project.
The announcement was made during a zonal stakeholders’ meeting held at the Napak Industrial Skilling Hub, where leaders from across Karamoja reviewed the progress of the government’s skilling programme and discussed expanding technical training opportunities in the region.
The meeting brought together LCV chairpersons, mayors, Resident District Commissioners (RDCs), District Internal Security Officers (DISOs), Chief Administrative Officers (CAOs), commercial officers, district agricultural officers, District Community Development Officers, youth representatives, women council leaders, representatives of persons with disabilities, SACCO leaders and beneficiaries of the programme.
Members of the National Steering Committee overseeing the Industrial Skilling Hubs programme also attended.
Presiding over the meeting, State House Comptroller Jane Barekye, who oversees the government’s Industrial Skilling Hubs programme, urged district leaders to strictly follow the established criteria when selecting beneficiaries.
She cautioned against admitting individuals who do not qualify under the programme guidelines and stressed the need to sensitise communities before recruitment. “Inform people before bringing them here. Follow the criteria and pick the intended beneficiaries,” Barekye said.
She also introduced Lorot John Bosco as the new Finance Manager for the Karamoja region and urged him to work closely with district commercial officers to monitor beneficiaries’ investments and ensure financial support is used productively.
Ms Barekye further encouraged districts to provide land for implementation of the government’s Four Acre Model, saying demonstration farms would help communities appreciate the agricultural potential of Karamoja.
Programme reaches 1,461 beneficiaries
Napak LCV Chairperson and Chairperson of the National Steering Committee for the Industrial Skilling Hubs programme, John Paul Kodet, said the initiative has now completed six intakes since its inception.
He revealed that the current intake has enrolled 244 trainees, the highest intake recorded so far, comprising 131 boys and 113 girls, including two learners with disabilities.
According to Kodet, a total of 1,461 beneficiaries have graduated from the programme since it began. “If all could put this into consideration, Karamoja would be changed,” he said.
Kodet urged districts to compile inventories of potential beneficiaries and identify opportunities available for graduates after completing their training.
He noted that Napak District registered the highest number of applicants with 41, while Karenga District recorded the lowest with nine applicants.
Kodet also appealed for the introduction of additional courses, including plumbing, leather tanning, mineral-related skills and energy programmes, to respond to emerging economic opportunities in Karamoja.
Stakeholders emphasised that the success of the Industrial Skilling Hubs should be measured not only by the number of graduates but also by their ability to establish businesses and create employment.
Kaleng Patrick, a welding graduate from Nakapiripirit District, shared how the programme enabled him to secure employment as an instructor with a non-governmental organisation.
Leaders called for stronger collaboration between graduates, SACCOs, financial institutions and government programmes to improve access to startup capital, working tools and markets.
Leaders from across Karamoja highlighted the region’s persistent challenges, including unemployment, poverty and food insecurity, while calling for continued government investment in skills development.
Kotido LCV Chairperson Lotee Paul Komol described vocational skills training as a sustainable pathway towards improving livelihoods in the sub-region.
Amudat RDC Denis Okori appealed for increased enrolment opportunities for young people and emphasised the need to support graduates beyond the training period.
Meanwhile, Karenga Deputy RDC Ronald Ongodia asked government to consider Karenga as an alternative location for the proposed Industrial Skilling Hub should the Kaabong project fail to secure land.
Kotido SCVO Chairperson James Emma Aleper called for additional post-training support, including working spaces, startup capital and facilitation for community organisations to help graduates establish viable enterprises.
Stakeholders expressed optimism that expanding the Industrial Skilling Hubs programme will create a new generation of skilled entrepreneurs capable of driving economic transformation across Karamoja.
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