Senior Reporter
Bishop Nathan Ahimbisibwe Ssalongo, the Rt Rev of South Ankole Diocese, encouraged young people to combat poverty, emphasizing that it is not a natural state but rather a result of human actions. He made these remarks during the commissioning of the Porunn Training Centre in Kyanju I Central Division, Ntungamo Municipality, on a Friday.
The Porunn Training Centre is a subsidiary of the Porunn Initiative Uganda, established in 2021 by young journalist Arisiima Annah with the support of Dr. Torunn Stangeland from Norway.
Bishop Ahimbisibwe highlighted that poverty often stems from a lack of ideas and plans, asserting that success must commence with a strong idea. He called on young people to be determined in order to achieve prosperity.
During the event, Bishop Ahimbisibwe, accompanied by his wife Ma’am Lillian Ahimbisibwe, expressed gratitude to Arisiima Annah, the managing director of Porunn Training Center, for her vision and creativity in the region.
Dr. Torunn Stangeland from Norway praised Arisiima Annah for realizing her dream of establishing a skilling center aimed at providing training, equipping handcraft skills, and removing barriers to entrepreneurship development. She recounted Arisiima’s commitment during the COVID-19 pandemic, where she enrolled in shoe making and leather works at MAMITA institute Kibingo, sponsored by Dr. Torunn, demonstrating resilience in acquiring skills.
The Ntungamo district vice chairman, Asumani Kigongo, commended Porunn Training Center for aligning with the government’s skilling programs and contributing to a lasting legacy for future generations.
Mayor Jacob Kafureeka of Ntungamo municipality thanked Arisiima Annah, condemning civil servants who hinder the development of young people in urban centers.
Arisiima Annah, the managing director of Porunn Training Center, urged young people to embrace handcraft skills instead of relying on politicians for their livelihoods. She emphasized the importance of confidence and focus, stating that starting is the best way forward, and she thanked Radio Ankole and the community for their support.
The Porunn Training Center will offer training in various skills, including making African sandals, decorated interior flowers, bags, belts, door mats, and more. The commissioning event included a successful medical camp organized by Mother and Child Mbarara at St. Luke’s Kabahambi COU in Ntungamo municipality.
