Mukono District, with support from State House of Uganda, has engaged finalists from the Mengo Zonal Presidential Industrial Hub to orient them on the new guidelines ahead of the disbursement of startup capital to begin their businesses as Leaders encouraged the youth to make productive use of the opportunity, work together, embrace a saving culture, and focus on becoming employers rather than job seekers as they transition into the world of enterprise.
The engagement brought together beneficiaries from Mukono District, Buikwe, Buvuma, Mukono Municipality, Lugazi Municipality, and Njeru, who recently completed their six-month vocational training at the Mengo Zonal Hub. In attendance were State House officials led by Mr. Koojo Daniel, members of the district leadership led by Ms. Zamu Najjuma, Mr. Nyanzi Ahmed (Commercial Officer, Mukono Municipality), Ms. Nassozi Hilda (Commercial Officer, Njeru Municipality), Mr. Nkwanga Musoke Robert (Commercial Officer, Lugazi Municipal Council), and other stakeholders.
While addressing the media, Mr. Koojo Daniel, a representative from State House and member of the National Steering Committee for the Presidential Industrial Hubs, explained that the program is designed to equip unskilled youth with practical vocational skills such as hairdressing, carpentry, welding and joinery, shoe making, among others.
He emphasized that the initiative is fully funded by President Yoweri Museveni through the State House. The only requirements for enrollment are a valid National ID and being between 19 and 35 years of age. Training is provided free of charge for six months, after which beneficiaries receive startup capital based on their course of study. However, the startup capital does not exceed UGX 1.5 million per beneficiary.
Mr. Koojo further revealed that over UGX 8 billion has been allocated to districts and municipalities under the program, with each district or municipality receiving UGX 50 million annually to support graduates upon completion of their courses. He clarified that the startup capital is offered on a loan basis, repayable within two years at an interest rate of 6% per annum.
Each hub accommodates 240 students per intake. At the Mengo Zonal Presidential Hub, which serves 18 districts and municipalities, each district sponsors 13 students, with four additional slots reserved for hard-to-reach areas such as Buvuma District. The selection process ensures gender balance among beneficiaries.
Ms. Zamu Najjuma, Commercial Officer and Mukono District Skilling Coordinator, thanked the finalists for their commitment and encouraged them to utilize the opportunity wisely.
Mr. Nkwanga Musoke Robert, The Commercial Officer for Lugazi Municipal Council, urged beneficiaries to develop the skills they have acquired and strive to become employers rather than job seekers.
He noted that skills development is not only a source of income but a pathway to enterprise creation. Drawing from personal experience as a professional carpenter, he emphasized that practical skills are highly productive when well managed.
Mr. Nyanzi Ahmed, The Commercial Officer for Mukono Municipality, informed finalists that space is available at the newly constructed municipal council block, and organized groups from the municipality may be allocated working space. He also advised hub trainers to incorporate a code of conduct into the training curriculum to instill discipline, good customer care, and professionalism—qualities essential for business success.
Ms Owembabazi Beatrice, The District Commercial Officer for Mukono District, appreciated all stakeholders, especially the State House, for spearheading the youth skilling initiative. She encouraged beneficiaries to start small, cooperate, and work together, noting that small beginnings can grow into large enterprises with time and commitment.
She emphasized the importance of teamwork, risk-taking, and collective effort in expanding businesses. Beneficiaries were advised not to fear starting small, but instead to focus on building strong partnerships and exploring market opportunities for their products and services. She highlighted that trade is the backbone of the economy and that vocational skills are key to promoting national economic growth.
The finalists were also urged to cultivate a saving culture as they begin their businesses, ensuring sustainability and future expansion.
The engagement marked a significant step in preparing the youth for responsible utilization of the startup capital, reinforcing the government’s commitment to empowering young people through practical skills and enterprise development.
