Museveni challenges Bunyoro Zonal Industrial Hub alumni to form SACCOs
He made this recommendation on Thursday while officially commissioning the industrial hub located in Nyakarongo village, Kimengo Subcounty, Masindi district
MASINDI, March 21, 2025 – President Yoweri Museveni has urged students who completed their studies at the Bunyoro Zonal Industrial Hub to form Savings and Credit Cooperative Organisations [SACCOs] in their respective districts, saying this enables them to be easily identified and financially supported.
He made this recommendation on Thursday while officially commissioning the industrial hub located in Nyakarongo village, Kimengo Subcounty, Masindi district.
The President pledged to fund the SACCOs in the next financial year, stating that these would be the avenues through which alumni could borrow start-up capital for their businesses.
Museveni also donated Shs 50 million to five students who completed their studies at the industrial hub and had already started projects with the potential to create more jobs.
He emphasised his full support for industrial hubs across the country, calling them crucial for skilling the youth and generating employment opportunities.
A total of 893 youth from various districts in the Bunyoro sub-region have received training at the Masindi-based industrial hub. Many of them have started projects using the skills they acquired during their training.
Ismail Mugerwa, the first beneficiary from the hub, shared with theCooperator News that he had never anticipated receiving hands-on skills for free before enrolling at the training facility.
“Since I joined this hub, my life has changed. I had almost lost hope. On top of gaining skills, my mindset was also positively transformed. I’m now confident in whatever I do,” said Mugerwa, a resident of Bigando Cell in Masindi Municipality. He added that he now runs a salon, which he established after receiving a loan of Shs 2 million under the Emyooga programme.
He noted that he earns Shs 600,000 per month from his salon, which he started after training in hairdressing.
“I want to thank the President [Museveni] for this opportunity. If it wasn’t for his initiative to start this industrial training hub, I wouldn’t be where I am now. However, many of the students completing their training don’t have the capital to start their own businesses. I request the President to look into this issue,” Mugerwa said.
Granima Tibaleke, another beneficiary, explained that before joining the hub, he spent his time in the village playing cards and working on sugarcane plantations.
“When I heard about the opportunity to join the hub, I embraced it during the second intake. I am now able to secure contracts and employ others. I’ve bought a motorcycle, built a house, and I also train others,” he said.
Lourine Kansiime, who completed a course in welding and metal fabrication, said that since finishing her training, she has been earning between Shs 300,000 and Shs 400,000 per month.
The industrial hub offers courses in bakery, carpentry, welding, hairdressing, building, and shoemaking, playing a significant role in skilling the youth.
Kenneth Kiiza Nyendwoha, the Member of Parliament for Bujenje County, praised the government for its investment in skilling young people, calling it a strong foundation for the country’s development.
“As a government, we need to invest heavily in skilling the youth. What should now be done is to implement a policy of establishing technical schools at the county level, as not all can be absorbed by the industrial hub,” Nyendwoha suggested.
Simon Byaruhanga, the Youth Councilor for Masindi District, also commended President Museveni for addressing the needs of youth who were unable to complete their formal education.
“The Bunyoro Zonal Industrial Hub is addressing the challenge faced by people who dropped out of the formal education system. What’s important is that they are gaining skills,” he remarked.
The First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Kataaha Museveni, praised Museveni for the industrial hub initiative, saying human capital development is critical for the country’s development. She added that the skilling of young students would remain a top priority.
Bunyoro Sub-region comprises eight districts: Hoima, Masindi, Kiryandongo, Buliisa, Kikuube, Kagadi, Kibaale, and Kakumiro, all of which benefit from the Bunyoro Zonal Industrial Hub.
According to Cosmas Byaruhanga, the Masindi District LCV Chairperson, who also serves as the board chairperson of the Bunyoro Zonal Industrial Hub, 24 vulnerable students are selected from each of the 10 administrative units that make up the Bunyoro Sub-region.
“So far, 893 students have been trained here, but many more want to join. My request to the President [Museveni] is to increase the intake to at least 500 students per session instead of 240 and to introduce additional courses like plumbing,” said Byaruhanga, expressing his appreciation to Museveni for the initiative.
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