The transformation of ghetto youth through the Presidential Initiative on Skilling the Girl/Boy Child (PISGBC) took center stage as hundreds of students at Mulago Skilling Centre showcased their work, highlighting the impact of vocational training on their lives.
During the event, Hon. Rosemary Nansubuga Seninde, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Director for Mobilization, called on Kampala residents to support President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni in the 2026 elections, attributing the success of the skilling program to his leadership.
“Kampala residents should be wise and vote for NRM and President Museveni in 2026. We must appreciate the peace and development he has brought, including the skilling of our youth, which is transforming lives,” Seninde stated.
The Mulago Skilling Centre is among the nine skilling hubs established in Kampala under the State House initiative. It currently has 783 students enrolled in various vocational courses, including electronics, embroidery, and recycling. The project, spearheaded by President Museveni, aims to equip underprivileged youth with practical skills for self-reliance.
Dr. Faith Mirembe Katana, the Special Presidential Assistant on Skilling and Education, emphasized the importance of entrepreneurship and innovation among youth. “Instead of importing everything from China, we must develop world-class products and export them globally,” she urged.
The event also featured testimonies from students whose lives have been changed by the skilling program. Dan Muhire, 32, shared how he moved from being idle to earning a living through phone and satellite dish repairs. “I can now make at least UGX 30,000 a day from my work,” he said.
Similarly, Patricia Sylvia, 19, and Prossy Nakuti, 20, wowed attendees with a prototype refrigerator made from plywood, demonstrating the level of creativity among trainees. “This fridge is functional and affordable at about UGX 200,000,” Patricia explained.
Martha Atuhaire, a 24-year-old embroidery student and university graduate, highlighted how skilling is complementing her industrial fine art degree. “We make bridal gowns, changing dresses, and African shirts, selling them at competitive prices,” she said.
Despite these achievements, challenges such as local council leaders enrolling non-residents into the program at the expense of genuine beneficiaries were raised. Dr. Katana called for stricter oversight to ensure only deserving youths benefit.
The Mulago Skilling Centre remains a beacon of hope for many young Ugandans, and with the push for continued NRM leadership in 2026, the government is banking on such initiatives to showcase its commitment to youth empowerment and economic transformation.
