Luzira, Uganda – September 20, 2023 – In a heartwarming display of transformation, Luzira Prison has become the epicenter of a remarkable initiative aimed at equipping young people with essential life skills. The Presidential Initiative for Skilling the Girl/Boy Child, hosted within the prison’s confines, has seen the successful training of 800 students in various vocational courses, offering them a chance at a brighter future.
The official session, graced by esteemed dignitaries, including State House Comptroller Ms Jane Barekye, Commissioner General of Prisons Johnson Byabashaija, renowned artist Bebe Cool, and the Resident City Commissioner (RCC) Amina Lukanga, was an occasion to celebrate the incredible achievements of these young trainees.
The students, hailing from diverse backgrounds, shared powerful testimonies, revealing how they had overcome adversity. Many had faced familial hardships, with some even resorting to life on the streets and involvement in gangs terrorizing Kampala. However, through the skilling program, they have found new hope and purpose.
The program offers comprehensive training in various skills, such as weaving, tailoring, knitting, shoe-making, and bakery techniques. Dr Katana Faith, a key figure in the initiative, announced that 6,500 students had registered for the program, with 5,500 of them set to sit for exams at nine different centers.
What’s truly remarkable is the inclusion of boys in traditionally female-dominated courses. Dr. Faith noted that in 2022, the program opened its doors to boys, allowing them to participate in all the available courses.
President Museveni’s commitment to this initiative is evident in his daily provision of meals for 5,600 students, with a diverse menu prepared by female cooks stationed at the centers. These dedicated cooks work in intervals of two weeks per catering group. This sustenance has not only nourished the students’ bodies but also their spirits, transforming them into confident and skilled individuals.
Additionally, each student is registered with the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) before leaving the program, ensuring they possess a National ID, a crucial document for future opportunities.
Addressing concerns about the program’s budget, Dr Faith emphasized the significant investment required to purchase materials, feed the students daily, and provide essential resources at the centers. She urged critics to understand the importance of this initiative in curbing unemployment, boosting household incomes, and equipping the youth with tangible skills for life.
In her speech, State House Comptroller Ms Jane Barekye underscored the program’s aims, including reducing unemployment, increasing household incomes, and providing young people with valuable life skills. She commended the administrators, instructors, managers, and cooks for their dedication.
Bebe Cool, a renowned artist, shared his own story, highlighting how he built a successful career without formal certificates. His wife, Zuena, who is involved in the bakery, also attested to the income-generating potential of acquired skills. Bebe Cool encouraged Ugandans to prioritize skills, emphasizing the readiness of the community to support those with vocational expertise.
Commissioner General Byabashaija thanked President Museveni for initiating the program and the responsible management of funds. He reminded the students that their newfound skills would pave the way for an easier and law-abiding life outside the prison walls.
As the Luzira prison continues to transform lives through vocational training, the program’s graduates are set to embark on their journeys equipped with valuable skills, National IDs, and a renewed sense of hope. These young individuals have proven that with the right opportunities and support, they can become self-reliant and productive members of society, steering clear of a life behind bars.
Woira Micheal
Communication Officer, GCIC – STATEHOUSE
