The Nakulabye Skilling Centre, one of the pillars of Uganda’s Presidential Initiative on Skilling the Girl and Boy Child (PISGBC), has proven to be a beacon of hope for youth in Kampala. On Wednesday, February 27, 2025, students at the Nakulabye Centre showcased the products of their hard work, highlighting the transformative power of vocational training in improving lives. These young individuals, having received practical skills through the program, proudly displayed the skills they have honed in tailoring, hairdressing, shoemaking, embroidery, and knitting.
The journey of the PISGBC, which aims to equip young Ugandans with skills that enable them to thrive in a competitive job market, is driven by the visionary leadership of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
The initiative seeks to address youth unemployment and underemployment by providing accessible and free training to vulnerable youth, empowering them to start their own businesses and support their communities. This is a testament to the President’s commitment to skilling the youth, which is vital for enhancing economic growth and reducing poverty.
The significance of the project was emphasised by Assistant RCC Kampala, Geofrey Serwadda, who shared his personal experience as one of the early beneficiaries of a similar skilling project. Serwadda, who now actively supports students, emphasised that success in life is possible if one dedicates themselves to their goals.
He added that he is working hard to ensure that these skilled students will receive empowerment funds to support their entrepreneurial ventures. In addition, he has collaborated with the city council to allow students to sell their products, a crucial step in turning their skills into sustainable livelihoods. “This skilling project is totally free of charge,” he stressed, reiterating the government’s commitment to providing young Ugandans with an opportunity to succeed.
The event also featured remarks from Dr. Faith Mirembe Katana, the Special Presidential Assistant on Education and Skilling and the Head of the PISGBC. Dr. Katana expressed gratitude to the President for launching this initiative, which she described as a game-changer for Uganda’s youth. She also praised the timely delivery of supplies and funding for the project, ensuring its smooth implementation.
Dr. Katana took the opportunity to remind all participants that this project is designed for the youth of Kampala’s nine divisions and encouraged them not to politicize the project. “Let’s produce and be a producer nation so that we have products to sell both locally and internationally,” she urged the students, encouraging them to take pride in their work and demonstrate professionalism in their chosen skills.
Joyce Athieno, the Administrator of Nakulabye Centre, also delivered a heartfelt speech reflecting on the centre’s journey. Since its inauguration in August 2017, Nakulabye has empowered thousands of youth by offering them practical, hands-on skills in various vocational fields. The centre’s programs aim not only to reduce underemployment but to help students build their self-esteem, confidence, and leadership abilities, providing them with the tools needed to create a better future for themselves and their families.
Athieno acknowledged the invaluable support of the President and the State House Comptroller, who ensured timely funding for the skilling programs. She also commended the Nakulabye Centre management for their efficient use of resources, which has allowed the institution to remain a place of excellence.
She expressed her gratitude to the parents, guardians, and local leaders who trust the centre to provide their children with the skills necessary for a brighter future. Her words of appreciation also extended to the dedicated staff and instructors who work tirelessly to impart knowledge to the students.
The Centre currently serves a diverse group of students, with 433 enrolled for the ongoing semester. Among the students, 385 are girls, and 45 are boys, a clear indicator of the initiative’s appeal to young women. The courses offered range from tailoring and hairdressing to shoemaking, embroidery, and knitting. These students are not only learning the technical aspects of their chosen trades but are also being equipped with essential business skills, ensuring they are prepared to enter the job market or start their own ventures.
In addition to the technical training, Nakulabye Centre emphasises the importance of holistic development. The Centre provides counseling services, addressing the personal and emotional needs of students. Recognizing the importance of mental health in the learning process, a full-time counselor is available, and professional counselors from other centres are invited to offer additional support.
The Centre also places a strong emphasis on national values and patriotism. In February 2025, students underwent patriotism training, which included physical fitness drills and lessons on Uganda’s history, geography, and national values. This training aims to foster a sense of responsibility and love for the country, encouraging the youth to become active and responsible citizens. Sports and recreational activities also play a significant role in the Centre’s curriculum, with students participating in an inter-centre sports competition in February, which allowed them to interact with their peers from other centres, competing in football and netball.
The students of Nakulabye Centre are not only gaining valuable skills but also receiving real-life lessons about resilience and determination. Several students shared their personal stories, reflecting on the profound impact the skilling program has had on their lives. One such testimony came from a student who had suffered an accident, resulting in the loss of a leg. Despite the challenges, they enrolled in the tailoring program and, today, they proudly showcase their skills, grateful for the opportunity that changed their life.
Another student, Kakeeto Tendo Chris, shared his journey from growing up in the ghetto, surrounded by crime and addiction, to becoming skilled in shoemaking. Through the skilling program, Chris has not only transformed his own life but is now encouraging others to take part in this life-changing initiative. Similarly, Nsubuga Maurice, who joined the program, spoke about how it helped him become a reformed individual, with newfound purpose and direction in life.
The stories of Nayebare Prossy and Nakiganda Sarah further illustrate the positive impact of the program. After completing Senior Four, Prossy had lost hope of continuing her education. However, the skilling program reignited her passion for learning, enabling her to gain skills in shoemaking and start earning an income.
Sarah, who had once worked as a maid, shared how joining the program and learning embroidery helped her leave domestic work behind, providing a more stable and fulfilling livelihood. Both Prossy and Sarah expressed deep gratitude to President Museveni for the opportunities they had received through the initiative.
The Nakulabye Skilling Centre’s success is a testament to the potential that lies in empowering Uganda’s youth through skill development. The program not only equips young people with the tools they need to secure sustainable livelihoods but also nurtures a generation of responsible, hardworking citizens ready to contribute to the nation’s growth.
With the continued support of the government and the dedication of staff and students, Nakulabye Centre stands as a shining example of the power of education and skill development in transforming lives.
