Ntoroko District, Uganda
When Robinah Byamukama from Bundibugyo District stitched a shirt for a tailoring contest, she borrowed Shs 30,000 to buy fabric and used a neighbor’s sewing machine. She won Shs 200,000. That simple win sparked a journey that has since turned her into a successful entrepreneur supplying school uniforms and constructing rental houses.
Robinah’s story is one of many inspiring accounts from graduates of the Presidential Zonal Industrial Hub in Ntoroko, launched by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on May 13, 2025.
President Museveni described the skilling program as Uganda’s real path to liberation—through technology, skills, and practical education. “Skilling hubs have two purposes. One is to create wealth. Wealth comes from people,” he said.
He emphasized that Africa’s historical defeat during colonization stemmed from lack of practical skills and technology, not leadership. “During colonial times, we had kings, poets, witch doctors and priests but no technology. That’s how the Europeans succeeded,” he said.
The Ntoroko hub offers free hands-on training, accommodation, meals, and medical care to hundreds of youth, many from vulnerable communities.
“These children were like food without salt. Now, I have added salt and it is tasteful,” President Museveni said.
He donated Shs 10 million to each graduate group, encouraging them to become job creators. He also called on leaders to correct past failures that denied education to the poor, urging full support for the initiative.
Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa praised the hubs for bridging the gap between education and employment. “These hubs are not just government projects; they are bold statements of faith in the potential of our youth,” he said. “A girl now owns a salon, a young man is building homes, another is saving to build rentals. These are powerful stories of hope made possible by this initiative.”
William Kasozi, Zonal Chairperson for the hub, reported that the center currently trains 897 learners, including 378 girls and 519 boys from Bundibugyo, Ntoroko, and Fort Portal City. He announced plans to expand courses and instructor numbers to meet growing demand.
“We have been following your guidance and speeches closely, and I’m pleased to report that your vision is taking root on the ground,” he said.
Kasozi added that the hub had launched a SACCO to support graduates’ financial growth and entrepreneurship.
Among the graduates is Moses Mutegeki, a 2024 construction course alumnus from Ntoroko. He now trains youth under an NGO, earns a salary, and co-founded a construction group that secured Shs 8 million under the Youth Livelihood Programme.
“My home is comfortable because of the opportunities this program gave me,” Mutegeki said.
Christine Sanyu from Bundibugyo heard about the hub on a local radio station. She enrolled in hairdressing and started saving with just Shs 2,000. Today, she owns a salon and employs others.
“I attribute my progress to this Presidential initiative. It gave me the practical knowledge and confidence to run a business,” Christine said.
President Museveni urged all Ugandans to embrace skilling and stop relying solely on traditional education paths. “The poor must study. These children are government property. And now they are becoming important to society,” he said.
The launch was attended by top government officials, including Minister of ICT and National Guidance Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, State House Comptroller Jane Barekye, and Members of Parliament.
The Ntoroko Skilling Hub stands as a powerful example of how targeted training and government support can turn hope into hard-earned success.
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