Kamuli youth hail govt for skilling them
Mr Aggrey Kibenge the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Gender interacts with members of Youth Welding Enterprise in Kamuli. Photo | Sam Caleb Opio
What you need to know:
- This initiative, launched nine years ago, aims to promote growth in Uganda's informal sectors, including tailoring, welding, carpentry, and creative arts.
Kamuli youth are celebrating the government's efforts to empower them with vital skills training through the 'Jua Kali' project. This initiative, launched nine years ago, aims to promote growth in Uganda's informal sectors, including tailoring, welding, carpentry, and creative arts.
"We commend the government for rescuing, empowering, and making us productive through Jua Kali Enterprises," said Geofrey Kamwaka, chairperson of Kamuli Youth Welding Enterprise. "Now we are transitioning into the formal economy."
Kamwaka noted that before the program, many youth were idle, but now they have become productive. With additional skills acquired, they have started teaching other youth groups with hands-on training. "We got support from a grinder and generator, which has enabled us to attract big clients," Kamwaka said. "We've also received training from Salesians of Don Bosco to enhance our skills and work professionally."
Aggrey Kibenge, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Gender, Labor, and Social Development, praised the youth for embracing government programs aimed at alleviating poverty. He challenged them to become job creators rather than job seekers, emphasizing the importance of innovation, proactivity, and creativity.
Kibenge highlighted the SENTE Program's core goal of enhancing productivity, profitability, and employment in the informal sector. "It has benefited over 23,000 people from 781 registered groups and helped enterprises in sectors like tailoring, welding, and creative arts," he said.
However, Eva Katushabe, Commissioner in the Ministry of Gender, noted that most workshops and enterprises lack safety precautions, including protective gear and health-related measures. "You're doing well in many aspects, except safety and health, where you need protective gears," she cautioned.
Katushabe assured that the Ministry remains committed to addressing youth enterprise concerns, including reducing foreign labor, creating jobs for unemployed youths, guiding them in job creation, and continuously assessing the project.
