Zonal Industrial Skilling Hub SACCO leaders trained on proper use of funds
GULU CITY, October 23, 2025 — Leaders of the Presidential Zonal Industrial Skilling Hubs Savings and Credit Cooperative Organisations [SACCOs] from Uganda’s Acholi, Lango, Madi, and West Nile subregions have received training on the proper utilisation of funds given to them by President Yoweri Museveni to support entrepreneurship development.
A total of Shs 1.8 billion, pledged earlier by the President, has been disbursed to SACCOs from 36 districts across the four subregions. The funds are intended to provide working capital to beneficiaries of the Industrial Skilling Hubs.
Speaking during the training session held on Sunday at the Oding Zonal Industrial Skilling Hub in Gulu City, Jane Barekye, the State House Comptroller, urged SACCO chairpersons to resist pressure from politicians seeking a share of the funds.
“As SACCO leaders, you’ve taken on a heavy responsibility. Lobbying will come from influential people, and you may fear to say no, but you must, because of the assignment you have,” Barekye emphasised.
She revealed that she often receives calls from senior figures asking for their people to be enrolled in the Presidential Skilling Hubs.
“We face challenges in selecting people to train. High-level individuals often call us, but if we accept all of them, what happens to the intended beneficiaries, those without anyone to speak for them?” Barekye asked.
Barekye also warned the SACCO members against misusing the funds, stressing that the money was meant to lift them out of poverty.
“If you’re not yet ready to apply your skills, don’t take the money. Wait until you are ready. The money is meant to help you move forward, not to be wasted,” she cautioned.
She encouraged beneficiaries to be diligent and to use the funds to diversify and build wealth.
“Use the money wisely. Start small, and when you earn returns, invest in another project — perhaps in agriculture,” she advised.
Some beneficiaries said they had already begun applying their skills even before receiving the financial support.
Shamsa Jafar, Chairperson of the Arua City Zonal Industrial Skilling Hub SACCO, said she had continued working as she awaited the funds.
“I couldn’t remain idle. I borrowed machines to keep working while waiting for the President’s support. I make bags, clothes, and other items on order. Now that the money has arrived, I’ll borrow and expand my tailoring business,” she said.
Gilbert Tumusime, a resident of Arua City who completed his bricklaying course at the Arua Zonal Skilling Hub in May, said he had borrowed money from a friend to start working.
“Thanks to the skills I acquired, I can now pay my own rent and support myself,” he said.
Martin Ojara Mapenduzi, Member of Parliament for Bardege-Layibi Division in Gulu City, thanked President Museveni for his initiative to empower vulnerable youth.
“You cannot imagine how important this training facility is for Northern Uganda. Our hope is to have more of these centres because demand is high and space is limited. As leaders from the North, we wish to see additional hubs established, as this remains the most disadvantaged region according to the UBOS report,” he said.
Mapenduzi added that the industrial skilling hub beneficiaries would become true agents of transformation.
Currently, there are 20 Zonal Industrial Skilling Hubs established across the country to equip disadvantaged youth who dropped out of school with practical skills that can help them join the money economy.
The hubs offer training in a variety of trades, including tailoring, welding, carpentry, bricklaying, bakery, shoemaking, and hairdressing.
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