NICHOLAS A
The Rukungiri Assistant Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Karen Kagisha, has urged Ugandans to prioritize acquiring vocational skills as a pathway to self-employment, rather than relying on white-collar jobs, which are increasingly scarce.
Kagisha made the call today while addressing participants at the closure of a one-week trade show held at Rukungiri Main Stadium since April 22, 2025.
She emphasized that the high levels of poverty in Uganda are partly due to the negative perception that vocational jobs are less valuable compared to academic professions.
Magezi Philip, the chairperson of the United Technicians Association, highlighted that the association, founded on September 19, 2019, aims to foster innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship skills to address unemployment challenges, particularly among the youth.
Magezi described the United Technicians Association as an umbrella body that unites individuals with various vocational skills, including motor vehicle mechanics, welding, crafts, tailoring, hairdressing, catering, and paper technology, among others.
He stressed that the association seeks to build a strong collective capable of benefiting from government poverty eradication programs, which often favor organized groups.
Reflecting on the week-long trade show, Magezi expressed disappointment over the low turnout, noting that despite offering free vocational training, their efforts to equip Ugandans with skills were hampered by poor public response.
He also pointed out the existence of a savings and loan scheme within the association, which enables members to save and access loans at low-interest rates.
Meanwhile, Kyarimpa Ronald Kakonkoma, the director of Kakonkoma’s Garage and a member of the association, commended the government for establishing the Directorate of Industrial Training, which he said is a significant boost to vocational education in Uganda.
However, Kakonkoma appealed to the government to support the association with necessary materials and equipment, citing a shortage that limits their practical activities and capacity building.
