Africa-Press – Uganda. INDUSTRIALISATION |EMPLOYMENT |The construction of Ntoroko zonal industrial hub in Ntoroko district is on course with construction works standing at 90%.The hub is one of the 20 mini-industrial hubs being constructed across the country under the presidential initiative for the establishment of zonal industrial hubs.This initiative aims at eradicating poverty among the youth and women by tackling the issue of youth skills and employment head-on as it is simultaneously one of the greatest challenges.Anselm Kyaligonza, the Ntoroko district Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) notes that zonal industrial parks will have mini factories with an aim of skilling all the youth and women at no cost.”President Museveni is committed to successfully conquering unemployment through providing an ever-increasing number of young people with the skills needed to access the job market, obtain a decent job, and cultivate an entrepreneurial spirit,” Kyaligonza says.He reveals that the government appreciates the importance of investing in policies on young people’s skills and on their inclusion in the job market, thus having these vocational institutions.”The commitment is to increase investment in youth empowerment. This initiative is to skill youth. Many have completed university but do not have skills, they will be coming here for one month’s courses, three months, and get skilled,” Kyaligonza says.
The Ntoroko mini factories will deal in, carpentry, tailoring, stone-cutting, welding, shoe-making, crafts, weaving, maize, and coffee processing, among others. At least seven workshops will be constructed.It should be remembered that offering vocational training to youth—particularly to girls and young women—provides them with the means to acquire work experience and find decent jobs to help improve their prospects.Edward Kahuma, youth, and the district speaker for Ntoroko explains that the hub is over due since many youths need the skills to transform their lives.”I will also be part of the youth to get skills. I want to learn how to make shoes,” Kahuma says.Kahuma, who represents the people of Butungama Sub County asked the youth to prepare for this life-changing opportunity to grab the skills at no cost.”As Ntoroko youth, we are lucky because the hub is amidst us. I want to implore my fellow youth to come and get skilled when the hub opens next year,” Kahuma says.
Joyce Katusabe, commended the government for establishing the industrial parks to skill women and youth.”Many young girls dropped out of school and have no skills. With this project I believe they will get skills that will enable them to earn money and change their lives,” Katusabe says.Steven Kidima, clerk of works says the construction of the hub begun in March 2020 and will be complete by January next year.”We are soon roofing most of these workshops and working on the access roads. The plumbing and electrical works will also be completed soon,” Kidima says.He noted that the facility will have staff dormitories, dining and kitchen, administration blocks, and workshops, among others.The construction of the hub is said to have cost over sh3bn.
