Government to set up leather processing industry in Luwero, says Museveni

President Museveni has expressed concern over the large amount of money reportedly spent on Uganda’s imports and reiterated the need to manufacture the imported good locally.
“A lot of funds are used in importing goods that can be produced in Uganda. The Government has facilitated the youth by providing them with common user facilities in Nsambya, Kampala and Rukungiri District. Why should we buy furniture from countries that have got no forests while we have forests within?” Mr Museveni said.
According to him, we export hides and skins in their raw form and end up buying expensive shoes from Italians.

The President made the observation during the 3rd graduation of 720 students of Victory School of Beauty in Natete in Kampala at Wankulukuku Stadium on Wednesday.
The beneficiaries qualified in various fields that include cosmetology, fashion and design, radio and TV presentation, hotel management, functions and decorations.

The Vice President Edward Kiwanuka Ssekandi, who attended the ceremony, is the patron of the private school under its executive director, Mr Robert Kasibante.

President Museveni lauded Mr Sekandi for guiding the school management in their operations.
He commended Mr Robert Kasibante for joining the government in its efforts to produce leather shoes locally noting that the effort is similar to the government’s skilling projects that are under the supervision of State House Comptroller, Ms Lucy Nakyobe Mbonye, whose target is value addition to local products.
Mr Museveni said the government would start a leather processing industry in Luweero District.

The president further said his government would “soon embark on making sweaters that were being previously imported.”
Mr Museveni pledged to support Victory School of Beauty expanding its programmes on top of a pledge to provide transport to the institution.

State Minister of Primary Education, Ms Rosemary Sseninde, who represented the Minister of Education and Sports, Ms Janet Museveni, lauded Mr Museveni for the Girl Child skilling programme of the NRM government.

Ms Sseninde noted that advancements in various sectors are being realized because of the peace that President Museveni ushered into the country.
She revealed that the Ministry of Education and Sports was allotted Shs305 billion by government for the skilling programme that is currently facilitating 4,000 students.