NELSON K
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has called on Ugandans not to rely solely on the 480,000 available government jobs, saying most employment opportunities are created by investors. He also announced his plan to introduce Presidential Skilling Hubs in all subregions to promote self-employment among the youth.
Speaking while addressing thousands of supporters at Rukungiri Main Stadium in Rukungiri Municipality, the President — who also serves as the NRM national chairperson — urged Ugandans not to remain stranded waiting for government jobs, but to instead seek opportunities within the private sector and from investors.
President Museveni explained that the Government of Uganda has only 480,000 jobs, which are too few for a population of about 49 million people. However, he noted that Uganda has a large number of investors and businesspeople whom he commended for creating many jobs for Ugandans.
He therefore encouraged the people of Rukungiri to establish skilling centres and invest heavily in their businesses, noting that such efforts would lead to more employment opportunities. He added that although the pay in some of these jobs may not be very high, it is sufficient for one to earn a living.
The President said this is why he introduced the Presidential Industrial Skilling Hubs in various subregions. He cited examples of youths trained at the Presidential Hub in Kabale, Kigezi Subregion, who have already become self-employed, are earning income, and are now employing others as a direct result of the skilling initiative.
He invited two youths — a boy and a girl from Rukungiri District — who completed their training at the Kabale–Kigezi Skilling Hub, to share their testimonies. They informed the public that they currently earn at least UGX 300,000 per month each, excluding expenses and wages for their workers. They further noted that each of them employs two workers, a development President Museveni hailed as a sign of wealth and job creation aimed at reducing unemployment.
