As the learners under the presidential initiative for skilling the Girl/Boychild prepare to sit for their Directorate of Industrial Training (DIT) exams, Mutundwe center has showcased the diverse skills they have acquired. This event marked the final showcase among the nine centers participating in this transformative program, which aims to equip both girls and boys with practical skills for future employment and entrepreneurship.
Jane Barekye, the State House Comptroller and chief guest at the event, delivered an inspiring speech, emphasizing the inclusivity and transformative potential of the initiative. “I thank you for loving and always trusting President Museveni. To our students and parents, we thank President Museveni for this initiative, and we also thank the church for providing this place for the skilling project,” Barekye said. She acknowledged the challenges faced by many young people, stating, “I understand that difficult situations can sometimes lead young people to misbehave, but we thank God that the President thought of a solution. This skilling initiative is transforming the lives of those who had lost hope.”
Barekye announced plans to expand the program at Mutundwe Centre, saying, “Since there is enough space here, we will add more courses for males to accommodate more young men.” Her message to the students was both empowering and motivating: “Remember that you are President Museveni’s children wherever you go because he has provided you with these skills. Make his name shine by being good people.” To the parents, she offered practical advice: “We have skilled your children. If you have some money, please give them some capital so they can start something productive.”
Barekye firmly stated that the initiative is non-partisan, “We are not affiliated with any political party. We skill every Ugandan. Anyone trying to politicise skilling is misguided and should not be followed. They may try to manipulate people, but we are focused on doing good.” She extended an open invitation to those in need, “Today, you will see many who lack formal education and skills. I call upon them: if given a chance and if there is space, please come and apply to obtain free skills from the president. This will help you add value to your future and generate income for your family.”
Dr. Faith Katana, the Director of the Presidential Initiative on Skilling the Girl/Boy Child (PISGBC) Project, expressed her pride in the accomplishments of the students and the program’s quality. “Everything here has surpassed expectations with the quality of our products. God should bless the President because he has truly done his best for these students, and their lives are now much improved,” Katana said. She urged parents to support their children positively: “Parents, bless your children. Stop lamenting and cursing them. Imagine a parent telling their child to leave home and live on the streets. Pushing your kids away and ignoring them only turns them into troubled individuals. Please, bless your children.”
Katana highlighted the program’s focus on mental health, “We have enrolled many troubled individuals, but we do so with the purpose of helping them correct their minds and become better people. Parents should bring their children for skilling.” Discussing the financial aspects, Katana noted, “Every six months, we use 6 billion shillings for skilling in Kampala alone, and we also have presidential industrial hubs regionally. This money is spent on skilling the children of our country, yet some people claim that the state house budget is high and it’s for President Museveni to enjoy. In reality, this money facilitates everything at these centers.” She gave details about the monthly expenditures, “We spend over 400 million shillings a month on skilling in Kampala, but people just keep making a lot of noise, not considering the fact that these are projects that help the nation’s children.”
The event featured powerful student testimonies on the impact of the skilling initiative. Mbabazi shared her story: “After my father’s death, my relatives neglected me, and my dream of becoming a doctor was cut short. Despite this, I held on to hope and faith. When I came to Mutundwe, I didn’t know what to do, but I registered for knitting and learned from scratch. Now, I am the best at it and plan to teach my friends. I thank the President for this program that has truly helped us.”
Nalugo Irene shared her journey: “I used to live in Nansana, involved in drug abuse and harmful activities. A woman offered me a job, but I ended up in a disturbing situation, forced to entertain men. After multiple arrests, my parents urged me to change. A volunteer eventually convinced me to join a skilling program in Mutundwe. Since then, I’ve greatly improved and excelled in hairdressing. I thank the President for this initiative; it has truly made me a better person.”
Prossy, a student of shoemaking also shared her story: “I worked as a maid, struggling to make ends meet while the dogs I cared for ate well. I prayed for a better opportunity, and my cousin told me about this project. I visited the center and, despite initial skepticism, started learning shoemaking from scratch. After many challenges, I am now skilled in making all kinds of shoes.”
Jane Kityo, the administrator of Mutundwe Skilling Centre, gave an overview of their work: “We offer six courses: tailoring, embroidery, knitting, hairdressing, and shoemaking. Since November 7, 2023, we have registered 404 students—331 girls and 73 boys—ready for exams.” She also emphasized the role of counseling services, saying, “Our counselors guide and support students, helping them become better and more disciplined.”
Aminah Lukanga, the Resident City Commissioner of Kampala, reflected on the skilling initiative: “We visited nine centers and are grateful for everyone’s efforts. I’m impressed with the work being done.” Wearing an outfit made by students, she added, “This outfit from the Subway Center shows our support. Let’s all support skilling—they offer shoes, home decorations, and more.”
Chef Okello Richard, an instructor at the Mutundwe Centre, shared insights into the transformative journey of the students. “These students arrive knowing nothing and feeling hopeless. Our first step is to mentor and encourage them, and then we teach them the necessary skills. Over time, they become experts. Now, these students can produce chapati, cakes, and many other baked goods. This program maintains high standards, and the students we train are well-equipped to deliver exceptional results.”
The event was attended by political leaders, parents of the learners, and numerous other distinguished guests.
