President Yoweri Museveni has inaugurated the Ankole Zonal Presidential Industrial Hub, located in Muko Village, Mbarara District. This facility is part of a broader national initiative comprising 19 industrial hubs aimed at equipping over 12,000 youths annually with vocational skills, fostering employment, wealth creation, and sustainable development across Uganda.During his address, President Museveni emphasized the transformative potential of the hub, noting its role in empowering the local economy. He commended the dedication of the youth who have embraced vocational training as a pathway to economic self-reliance.As part of his wealth creation and Parish Development Model (PDM) assessment tour in the Ankole subregion, Museveni underscored the importance of following expert guidance to break the cycle of poverty. He reflected on the introduction of free education in government schools in 1996, describing it as a crucial step in reducing financial barriers for rural families. However, he expressed concern over the persistently high dropout rates, particularly in regions like Karamoja, where 87% of students leave school after Primary Seven.Reaffirming his commitment to accessible education, the president pledged to ensure that every sub-county has a primary school and each parish has a secondary school. Additionally, he announced plans to invest in more teachers’ houses, laboratories, and additional schools to lower education costs and improve access for rural children.In response to requests from local leaders, Museveni promised to expand the intake capacity of the industrial hub and construct more dormitories for students. He clarified that rather than increasing the number of hubs, the government would focus on enhancing student capacity within existing facilities.The president also emphasized the role of Savings and Credit Cooperative Organizations (SACCOs) in economic integration, urging all graduates to join these financial groups. Additionally, he unveiled plans for a factory that will manufacture paper from banana fibers as an eco-friendly alternative to polythene bags.Highlighting infrastructure development as a pillar of economic growth, Museveni announced plans to tarmac key roads, including Bwizibwera-Ndina-Nyakasaka-Nyakabirizi and Biharwe-Rushozi-Bwizibwera roads. He reassured the public that more roads would be repaired once Uganda’s oil revenues materialize.During his tour of the Industrial Hub, President Museveni visited various training departments, including Hairdressing, Welding, Carpentry, Tailoring, Building and Concrete Practice, Shoe Making, and Bakery. So far, 720 students have graduated from the hub, each earning a Directorate of Industrial Training (DIT) certificate upon completing the six-month program.Museveni praised several graduates for their entrepreneurial success, including Ninsiima Blair, who runs a thriving baking business; Busingye Brenda, a Carpentry and Joinery graduate; Ainamastiko Diana, a Tailoring graduate; and John William, a Hairdressing graduate. Their achievements, he noted, demonstrate the hub’s potential in fostering self-employment and economic growth.To further support the graduates, President Museveni contributed Shs 40 million to four individuals who shared their success stories, boosting their businesses. He also donated Shs 10 million to a local women’s group, Shs 10 million to the Industrial Hub SACCO, and pledged 100 cows to the area church as a token of community support.With the Ankole Industrial Hub now operational, it is expected to play a significant role in equipping young Ugandans with practical skills, ultimately driving economic transformation in the region.
