Government cannot put money in your pockets – Museveni tells Buganda youth

President Yoweri Museveni has asked Ugandans, especially the youth, to work hard to develop their country and also create wealth because the government will not put money in their pockets.

The president’s counsel is contained in a message that was delivered by Jane Barekye, the State House Comptroller, during the graduation ceremony of 203 students who successfully completed their five months of training at Mengo Zonal Industrial Hub in Nazigo Town Council, Kayunga District on Thursday 12 January 2023.

The graduates who received Level I Certificates from DIT were trained in tailoring, carpentry, welding and hairdressing.

President Museveni disclosed that he initiated the skilling program with the main aim of curbing unemployment among the Ugandan youth. He, therefore, advised the graduates to utilize their acquired hands-on skills to create jobs and transform their lives.

“Government cannot put money in your pockets or kick poverty out of your home; it’s you to do so. As a youth, you can create wealth through commercial agriculture, industries [big or small], services and ICT,” the Head of State further said.

On her part, Barekye underscored the importance of saving money. She told the graduates that they should develop a saving culture if they want to prosper financially.

“Even if you earn a million shillings every day without saving, you cannot develop,” she explained.

“After acquiring these skills, please go and put them to good use, make money and develop your families. The President wants you to create jobs using your skills.”

Barekye also called on leaders to link the youth to other government programs such as the Parish Development Model (PDM) so that they get start-up capital for their businesses.

“We are also going to set up a well-equipped Common User Facility at the hub which the beneficiaries will use free of charge to produce goods, sell them and earn a living,” she revealed.

Agnes Kirabo, the Youth Member of Parliament, Central Region applauded President Museveni for skilling the youth through the Industrial Hubs. She said the initiative will help them fight poverty and improve their standards of living.

Eng. Raymond Kamugisha, the Director of Presidential Projects and Industrial Hubs at State House revealed that the next intake will take place in February 2023, before asking the youth to utilize the available chance to get skilled.

Patrick Byakatonda, the Director of the Directorate of Industrial Training (DIT) urged the graduates to upgrade to another level so that they can enjoy more opportunities that come with DIT certification in the field of work.

Moses Karangwa, the Kayunga District NRM Chairperson told the graduates that the only way they can repay President Museveni for skilling them is by supporting him and the NRM Government.

The graduates led by Mastula Nantongo and Patricia Kamwine praised President Museveni for being a visionary leader who wishes well for all youths in Uganda. They thanked him for initiating the resourceful skilling program.

Musoke Ahamada Zinda, the Manager of Mengo Zonal Industrial Hub said they received 207 students from 12 administrative districts that make up Mengo Zone namely; Kayunga, Buikwe, Buvuma, Wakiso, Mpigi, Butambala, Gomba, Nakaseke, Luwero, Nakasongola, Kampala and Mukono.