PRESIDENT MUSEVENI CALLS FOR INCLUSIVE LIBYAN ELECTIONS TO RESTORE NATIONAL PEACE

President Yoweri Museveni has called on Libyan authorities to involve all citizens in restoring peace in the North African nation through transparent and inclusive national elections. Speaking on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, during a high-level meeting with a Libyan delegation on the sidelines of the 19th Ministerial Meeting of the Coordinating Bureau of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) at Speke Resort Munyonyo, President Museveni emphasized that lasting peace in Libya could only be achieved if the people themselves determine the future of their country. “Libya belongs to the Libyan people. All the owners of the country, every Libyan, must be asked what should be done through peaceful elections,” President Museveni said, stressing that political disagreements among leaders should not deny citizens their right to participate in shaping their governance. “If there are arguments among leaders, why not ask the people? Why should anyone just take over my home as if I have no say?” he wondered. Nearly 15 years after the fall of former President Muammar Gaddafi, Libya remains a divided nation, with the country split between two rival administrations: the internationally recognized Government of National Unity in Tripoli, and the Government of National Stability based in Benghazi. The political stalemate has created challenges in governance, national security, and the delivery of services, leaving ordinary Libyans caught in a protracted struggle for stability. President Museveni expressed concern over the prolonged division, describing it as unfair to the Libyan people. “Here, we had bad leaders like Idi Amin, but all their supporters took part in the elections because we have no right to remove them—it’s their country. They should continue with their normal rights,” he said, drawing parallels with Uganda’s own political journey. Gen. Museveni also noted the ongoing discussions with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi on collaborative initiatives for Libyan peace. “I am glad because I agreed with President Al-Sisi to work together, but I hadn’t followed up. Now, your visit has encouraged me. If all Libyan factions agree to have elections for all Libyans, not a few, it will stop ruining the country,” President Museveni remarked. He emphasized that Africa has a role to play in mediating internal conflicts and fostering unity on the continent. The Libyan delegation, led by Mr. Musbah Abouksham, Head of the General Assembly Department and Foreign Minister, delivered greetings from H.E. President Mohamed Al-Menfi, President of the Presidential Council of Libya. Mr. Abouksham expressed gratitude to Uganda for its unwavering support of African peace initiatives and stability in Africa. He emphasized that Libya’s Government of National Unity remains committed to achieving national unity and stability through transparent elections. “We need your advice and support for our politicians in Libya. Any initiative to ensure Libyan citizens’ participation in elections will be highly appreciated,” he said. Mr. Abouksham added: “An African leader like Yoweri Museveni is highly respected by all Libyans, east or west, because you have never intervened negatively in Libya.” He highlighted his personal connection to Uganda, recalling that he spent part of his formative years in the country between 1995 and 1998 while his father served as a Libyan diplomat. “Part of my education and culture was shaped here,” he said. The Libyan delegation wished President Museveni victory in the 2026 elections, adding that Libya is keen to sustain Libyan investments and make them stronger in Uganda. “We are sure that you are the best choice to lead Uganda in the coming period. And this victory will not only be for the Ugandan people, but also for the entire African people,” Mr. Abouksham said. President Museveni’s call for inclusive Libyan elections aligns with the broader African Union and Non-Aligned Movement goals of promoting homegrown solutions to political crises. The Libyan delegation also included Hon. Fatalla Elzuni, Minister for Youth and special envoy of the Prime Minister to Africa; H.E. Ibrahim Ahmed Sultan, Libya's Ambassador to Uganda; and Mr. Sofian Belkher, Director of International Organizations Department. On the Ugandan side, officials included Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Okello Oryem, Mr. Vincent Bagiire, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, among others.

2025-10-16

TEREGO: PRESIDENT MUSEVENI HAILED OVER UGANDA’S SOCIO-ECONOMIC TRANSFORMATION

Terego District residents and leaders have hailed President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the NRM Presidential flag bearer, for his steady leadership in driving Uganda’s socio-economic transformation. They credited him for bringing peace, stability, and tangible development projects to the country, describing Terego as one of Uganda’s fastest-growing districts. It should be noted that Terego is the newest District in Uganda that has witnessed rapid development under the leadership of President Museveni. Speaking at a presidential campaign rally held at Leju Stadium- Terego, today, the NRM Chairperson for Terego District and Minister of State for Urban Development, Hon. Obiga Kania, said the district has seen unprecedented progress in just four years under President Museveni’s leadership. Upon arrival at the rally, the President officially opened Leju Stadium, a newly constructed facility that stands as a symbol of Terego’s growing infrastructure and development. “Your Excellency, we welcome you to Terego and congratulate you upon your nomination as the NRM National Chairman and Presidential flag bearer,” Hon. Kania said. “In just four years, with your support, we have constructed administrative blocks, office blocks, and even this magnificent stadium. Terego is the district growing fastest in terms of infrastructure, and we thank you for the Presidential Initiative programs that have fueled this progress.” He presented a detailed development fact sheet showing that Terego District, with 42 parishes, has so far received Shs 12.9bn under the Parish Development Model (PDM), benefiting 13,004 households. Under Emyooga, Terego boasts 34 SACCOs with 19,553 members across its two constituencies, receiving Shs 1.2bn from the government. The district also has 73 government primary schools, 8 government secondary schools, and a growing health network with one Health Centre IV and five Health Centre IIIs. In addition, 72% of rural villages now have access to safe water, and the entire district is connected to the national electricity grid. Hon. Kania further requested that Omugo Health Centre IV be upgraded to a General Hospital, and Obofia and Bileafe Sub-counties be considered for new or upgraded health facilities. On his part, President Museveni commended the people of Terego for their support and reaffirmed NRM’s commitment to transforming Uganda through peace, unity, and development. He likened politics to medicine, saying effective leadership requires the right diagnosis of society’s problems. “Politics is like medicine. When a doctor gets a patient, he must first find out what the patient is suffering from. If the diagnosis is correct, then the patient will heal,” President Museveni said. “Some of the leaders in the past were treating the wrong disease. They thought tribes and religions were the most important things. But for those of us who have been active since the 1960s, we saw Uganda’s problems clearly and designed lasting solutions.” The President outlined three key pillars of the NRM’s success citing peace, development and wealth creation. “The NRM has achieved peace for the first time in 500 years,” President Museveni said. “Even before colonialism, there was chaos after the Bachwezi dynasty collapsed. Then came wars under Kabalega, Mwanga, Amin, and later UPC. It was only after NRM came to power that Uganda finally achieved lasting peace.” He added that peace was possible because of NRM’s ideology of national unity, which rejects sectarianism and discrimination. “We no longer look at tribe, religion, or gender, we look at ability. That’s how we have built strong national institutions: the army, police, judiciary, academia, and others. Because of this, we now have a national party that can win elections across the country.” The President said development is built on two pillars: economic infrastructure (roads, electricity, telephones, water) and social infrastructure (education and health). He highlighted major road projects connecting West Nile, including Karuma–Koboko, Atiak–Moyo–Yumbe–Koboko, and Nebbi–Zombo–Arua, as well as plans to work on Manibe–Yumbe and Terego–Moyo roads. “We are bringing Karuma power all the way to Koboko. These days, when I come to the West Nile, my helicopter must land carefully because of power lines. In the past, I could land anywhere, there were no power lines to avoid,” he said. On social infrastructure, President Museveni commended Terego’s education efforts but urged local leaders to ensure fair distribution of schools across all parishes. “You have 42 parishes, but six still lack government primary schools. That must be corrected,” he said. “In the next term, we shall ensure every parish has a primary school and every sub-county has a secondary school.” He further emphasized the need to eliminate school charges in government schools, noting that such fees defeat the purpose of Universal Primary and Secondary Education. “We told head teachers not to charge money because the government pays. But some have refused and continue expelling children. That must stop,” he warned. “We are going to add 50,000 teachers to close the gap and make education truly free.” The President reminded Ugandans that development belongs to everyone, but wealth belongs to individuals and families and that both are essential. “Development like roads and electricity is for all of us, but the money to build them comes from taxes generated from wealth. The more wealth you create, the more jobs and taxes we get,” he explained. He called on Ugandans to embrace wealth creation programs like PDM, Emyooga, and the Presidential Skilling Hubs, saying they are vital in eradicating poverty. “I am always begging you to get out of poverty. We need a modern Uganda without poverty and ignorance. Support NRM so that we achieve this together.” The President also announced plans to establish a Graduate Fund to help university graduates who remain unemployed for more than two years. “A graduate who has not got a job for two years should be able to access funding. We shall create a Graduate Fund to support them,” he revealed. The NRM Vice Chairperson for Northern Uganda, Hon. Hamson Obua, lauded President Museveni for transforming Uganda and pledged continued support from the region. “Your Excellency, Terego is the last-born district, granted by you,” Hon. Obua said. “You have turned Uganda from a refugee-producing country into the number one refugee-hosting nation. You are a record-breaker, and for us, voting for you is not a choice — it is an obligation.” He praised the President for championing wealth creation and the Four-Acre Model, saying West Nile and Northern Uganda remain committed to the NRM’s vision. “We commit that Terego will support you, West Nile will support you, and Northern Uganda will support you,” Hon. Obua said. The campaign is running under the theme: “Protecting the Gains, Making a Qualitative Leap into High Middle-Income Status”. The event was graced by NRM Central Executive Committee (CEC) members, Members of Parliament, religious and cultural leaders, as well as thousands of supporters.

2025-10-16

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI HAILS YUMBE’S STEADY PROGRESS, PLEDGES TO SET UP INDUSTRIAL PARK IN THE DISTRICT

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the National Chairman of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and party Presidential flagbearer has today continued his campaign trail in Yumbe District where he commended residents for their steady progress and loyalty to the NRM principles of peace, unity and prosperity. He recalled that when the government first debated granting Yumbe, a district status, its population was only about 100,000 and many people doubted its viability. Today, the district’s population has surpassed one million — growth he attributed to immunization and improved health services introduced under the NRM government. President Museveni said the NRM has over the years searched for practical solutions to Uganda’s challenges and all these have been captured in the NRM Manifesto. He emphasized that one of the greatest achievements of the movement has been peace, which the country is now enjoying for the first time in more than 500 years. He explained that this peace was achieved because the NRM rejected the divisive politics of sectarianism based on religion and tribes. “We now have peace because we do not believe in the politics of sectarianism. We believe in valuing everyone, and that has helped us build a national party that embraces all Ugandans. That is why we win the majority when we go to elections. The politics of sectarianism is suicidal,” he said. President Museveni said the politics of unity and shared interests has enabled Uganda to form strong national institutions such as the army and the Judiciary. “Our contribution as NRM has been peace, and that is because we rejected the politics of sectarianism,” he said. He also pointed out that the second pillar of the NRM is development, which includes infrastructure such as roads, electricity, hospitals and schools. However, he cautioned Ugandans against confusing development with wealth creation. “You cannot sleep on a tarmac road. Development benefits everyone, but wealth creation benefits individual families,” he said. He reminded the people that since 1996, the NRM has been promoting the message of household wealth creation, beginning with the Ankole cattle corridor where some people embraced the idea and succeeded. “The message of NRM has been clear: do not mix development with wealth creation,” he said, urging all Ugandans to join the money economy through government programs like Emyooga, NAADS and the Parish Development Model (PDM). He explained that under PDM, each parish receives 100 million shillings annually and 15 million shillings for leaders. In five years, each parish will have accumulated 570 million shillings. Borrowers will repay after two years to their SACCOs at a 6% interest rate, ensuring the revolving funds grow. The President added that the government plans to create a special fund for unemployed university graduates, as well as for religious and cultural leaders, all aimed at eradicating household poverty. He also mentioned that seedlings will continue to be distributed to farmers. He said wealth is the real source of jobs, explaining that factories and individual enterprises generate more employment than government offices. “Government jobs are only 480,000, but factories established under the NRM have created 1.3 million jobs,” he noted. President Museveni cited State Minister for Transport, Hon. Fred Byamukama as an example of someone who adopted the four-acre model and now employs 26 people through piggery, poultry and dairy farming. He commended the people of Yumbe for giving government land which he said will be developed into an industrial park to create jobs for the youth. “I am very glad for the land you have given in Yumbe. We shall develop it into an industrial park like Namanve and Mbale to create jobs for your people,” he said. He concluded his address by emphasizing that the NRM’s enduring message remains peace, development and jobs. Hon. Denis Hamson Obua, the NRM Vice Chairman for Northern Uganda, appreciated the President for his consistent guidance and transformative programs reaching the people of Yumbe. Yumbe District has 26 sub-counties and town councils, 197 parishes and 1,159 villages. The district’s population currently stands at 945,100 according to the 2024 census. In the last presidential election, President Museveni polled 71.2% of the vote, and in 2025, the number of registered voters has risen to 122,184 across 363 polling stations. Under the Parish Development Model, Yumbe’s 197 parishes have cumulatively received 59.9 billion shillings, with over 97% disbursed to 58,334 beneficiary households. The district also has 57 Emyooga SACCOs with 16,184 members and total government support amounting to 2.01 billion shillings. Yumbe has 143 government primary schools, 41 private primary schools, 10 government secondary schools and two private secondary schools. Six seed schools are under construction or design, which will reduce the number of sub-counties without a government secondary school from 16 to 10. In the health sector, Yumbe has one Regional Referral Hospital, two HCIVs and 19 HCIIIs, meaning 22 of its 26 sub-counties have a health facility of HCIII level and above. Major ongoing works include rehabilitation and expansion of Yumbe Regional Referral Hospital, construction of a 300-bed ward, 95 staff houses and several new maternity and outpatient units. In the water sector, 940 of the district’s 1,159 villages have access to safe water, representing 77% coverage. The Ala-Ora piped water system under construction will extend water to more villages in Ariwa Sub-County, with additional plans to expand to 64 more villages across Kochi, Bijjo, Lodonga and Lobe Town Council.

2025-10-16

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI CALLS FOR GLOBAL HARMONY, PROSPERITY, AND MUTUAL COOPERATION AT NAM MINISTERIAL MEETING

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has urged the world to focus on mutually beneficial cooperation and shared prosperity rather than domination and ideological conflict. He said this on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, while chairing the 19th Ministerial Meeting of the Coordinating Bureau of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) held at Speke Resort Munyonyo under the theme: “Deepening Cooperation for Shared Global Affluence.” The meeting, which runs from October 13 to 16, 2025, brings together Ministers of Foreign Affairs from NAM’s 121 member states, alongside representatives from the United Nations, African Union, and other multilateral institutions. The conference serves as the Midterm Review Meeting following Uganda’s successful hosting of the 19th NAM Summit in January 2024. President Museveni, who is also the Chairman of the Non-Aligned Movement, hailed the foresight of NAM’s founding leaders, saying their decision to pursue neutrality during the Cold War established a vital principle for global peace and cooperation. “I salute the Non-Aligned Movement. Our elders who started it did us a great service because they achieved neutrality,” H.E. Museveni said. “At that time, there was a conflict between the socialist camp and the capitalist camp, and our elders said, ‘No, we want to be neutral. We want to judge issues on merit.’ That helped us then, and it is even more important today.” He warned that the ambitions of hegemonism, where some powers attempt to control the world, were outdated and counterproductive. “Anybody who thinks they should control the world is wasting their time,” he said. President Museveni further emphasized the need for the global community to concentrate on “minimum mutually beneficial interests” such as trade, investment, and tourism, areas that unite rather than divide nations. “My advice to people in the world is that we concentrate on minimum mutually beneficial interests: trade, investments, tourism, and mutual support in any other area. Where we don’t agree, let us act by good example and not coercion. If you think you are right, show it by doing things properly in your own country so that others learn from you,” he said. Drawing inspiration from Christian teachings, quoting scripture: “Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father who is in heaven”, President Museveni explained that positive examples, not force, should guide relations among nations. He recalled the Thirty Years’ War in Europe, triggered by religious intolerance during the Middle Ages, and the fall of the Austro-Hungarian Empire after failed attempts to suppress emerging social systems. “When one of the kings of England wanted to become Protestant, the Pope refused to allow anyone to change from Catholicism, and that caused a lot of chaos,” he said. “In the end, the Pope failed.” “When capitalism emerged in France after the Revolution, Metternich of Austria-Hungary tried to stop it but failed. Where is Austria-Hungary today? It disappeared because it wanted to stop the evolution of history, which is impossible,” H.E. Museveni stated, adding that each nation should be free to determine its own social and political systems. The President used examples from global industrial history to underscore how advancements in science and technology benefit all humanity rather than a select few. “Once there is an advance in the control of nature through science, we should be very happy, and there should be no conflict. I don't see why anybody would worry that country X and B, and C have come out of poverty and are more prosperous. After all, if you want to do business, why do you want to do business with a poor man, a poor partner? How much will he buy from you? Why don't we want all our partners to be prosperous so that you can do better business?” President Museveni said. He cited the example of China’s transformation, which he said indirectly benefited Uganda and other developing nations by making technology and materials such as steel more affordable. Turning to Africa’s economic situation, President Museveni reiterated his long-standing argument that global prosperity depends on raising purchasing power in all regions. “If Africa’s GDP per capita was $20,000, we would have a total GDP of about $30 trillion. At $25,000, it would reach $45 trillion. That would not only make Africa richer but would benefit our trading partners because we would buy more from them,” President Museveni explained. He urged NAM countries to promote industrialization, science, and human resource development to achieve equitable global affluence. The President also expressed gratitude to NAM member states for entrusting Uganda with the chairmanship. “We are very happy that you have come to Uganda in such big numbers. I thank you for honoring us with the chairmanship of the Non-Aligned Movement. When I look around and see all of us together, I believe we may be the hope of the world,” he said. He emphasized that the movement’s unity, grounded in equality and mutual respect, can serve as a foundation for a fairer world order. The meeting also heard from representatives of the United Nations and the African Union, who commended Uganda for its active leadership of the Non-Aligned Movement and reaffirmed the relevance of NAM in the current multipolar world. The representative of the UN Secretary-General António Guterres, congratulated Uganda for its successful stewardship of the movement. He praised NAM’s role in promoting dialogue, diplomacy, and South-South cooperation. H.E. Ambassador Musa Mohamed Omar, representing H.E. Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, also lauded Uganda’s leadership and NAM’s enduring vision. He noted that countries benefiting from the current world order were defending an unfair status quo and urged the Global South to stand united in reforming global governance. “Those who benefit from the current world order are defending the status quo. But if we put our efforts in common and align our vision with other frameworks such as the G77 plus China, we will be able to influence the construction of a new, fairer world order,” Ambassador Omar said. He emphasized that the African Union remains steadfast in supporting countries affected by coercive unilateral measures, calling them obstacles to peace and development. The January 2024 NAM Summit in Kampala, attended by over 120 member states and observers, was widely hailed as a diplomatic success that reaffirmed the movement’s role as a bridge between the Global North and South. This week’s Midterm Review Meeting is expected to build on those outcomes, with discussions centered on peacebuilding, technology transfer, trade facilitation, and climate resilience. The Non-Aligned Movement was founded in 1961 in Belgrade by leaders including Jawaharlal Nehru (India), Josip Broz Tito (Yugoslavia), Gamal Abdel Nasser (Egypt), Sukarno (Indonesia), and Kwame Nkrumah (Ghana). Its objective was to maintain independence from the power blocs of the Cold War while promoting peace, sovereignty, and cooperation among developing nations. Today, NAM remains the second-largest grouping of countries after the United Nations, representing over 55% of the global population and two-thirds of UN member states.

2025-10-15

COL. NAKALEMA HAILS JAPAN FOR CONTRIBUTING HIGHLY TO UGANDA'S ECONOMY

The Head of the State House Investors Protection Unit (SHIPU), Col. Edith Nakalema has today hosted the Ambassador of Japan to Uganda, H.E Sasayama Takuya at the unit's offices in Kampala. During the courtesy call, the Ambassador was accompanied by his First Secretary, Mr. Hiroyuki Hayashi and a highly valued investor, Mr. Kan Yamamoto, the General Manager of Sumitomo Corporation. Col. Nakalema informed her guests that President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni is very cognizant of the role that foreign missions like that of Japan play in promoting investment opportunities in Uganda. “It is therefore our honour to have you visit us this afternoon and we are grateful that you are open to discussing how we can make Uganda even friendlier to Japanese investors,” she said, adding that the President established the unit in May, 2023 to specifically expedite government services to investors. Col. Nakalema also revealed that the unit was particularly grateful for the cooperation which the government of Uganda has enjoyed with Japan especially in the area of infrastructure. “We thank the government of Japan for the support towards the construction of the spectacular and modern bridge across the Nile in Jinja. In terms of business, I'm aware that in 2024, Uganda imported about USD 449.15 million worth of goods from Japan. This volume of transactions signifies the strong economic relations between the two countries,” she stated. Col. Nakalema further noted that on part of Uganda, the country has made efforts to boost investments from Japan through strategic initiatives including the Uganda National Day in Japan and the World Expo 2025. “In addition, meeting with the Head of the Mission as it is happening today is definitely instrumental in assisting our unit to strengthen its role to coordinate Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) so as to expeditiously resolve any unnecessary delays experienced by investors,” she said. “We are therefore positive that your coming over this afternoon will take us forward in realizing our common aspirations as entities designated to safeguard the interests of investors. We are grateful for your time and commitment to promote collaboration between the economy of Japan and the Republic of Uganda through investment.” In the same meeting, Col. Nakalema highlighted the role of the Electronic Investors Protection Portal (EIPP) in protecting the investors from fraud and frustrations during the investment process. EIPP is an online platform managed by the unit to empower investors to get authentic information, inquire, verify and receive feedback. On his part, H.E. Takuya expressed gratitude for the great bilateral relations between Uganda and Japan. He said Japan has been part and parcel in strengthening the bilateral relations between the two countries through different initiatives such as investments and hosting several developmental engagements. H.E Takuya assured Col. Nakalema that he will create awareness of the EIPP to the Japanese investors, saying that it will be very useful as far as investing in Uganda is concerned. He also promised to bring in more investors to Uganda. “This year is very significant for Japan and Uganda’s relationship. Uganda’s Vice President and the Prime Minister visited Japan recently. I have also visited the SHIPU to introduce more investors who can invest in Uganda,” the Ambassador said.

2025-10-15

BENEFICIARIES OF PRESIDENTIAL INDUSTRIAL SKILLING HUBS TRAINED IN PROPER MANAGEMENT OF PRESIDENT MUSEVENI'S SHS8.8 BILLION EMPOWERMENT FUNDS

State House Officials led by Eng. Raymond Kamugisha, the Director of Presidential Projects and Industrial Hubs have today met and held discussions with beneficiaries of the Zonal Presidential Industrial Skilling Hubs, SACCO leaders and district leaders from Greater Masaka, Mubende and Mukono at Mengo Zonal Presidential Industrial Skilling Hub in Kayunga District. The deliberations focused on training the beneficiaries on how best they can utilise the Shs8.8 billion which President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni recently injected into the various districts SACCOs, with an aim of supporting the beneficiaries of the hubs to start up small enterprises after the 6-months skills training. Representing, Ms. Jane Barekye, the State House Comptroller, Eng. Kamugisha revealed that each SACCO under the various industrial skilling hubs around the country received Sh50 million and beneficiaries of the initiative will borrow the funds from their respective SACCOs to start-up income generating projects. “This is an announcement to all the students who trained from these hubs, you are going to get cash, the President has already disbursed Shs8.8billion for you,” he said. “We have 19 hubs across the country with 176 administrative units, and these include districts, cities and municipalities and they are all beneficiaries.” Eng. Kamugisha further assured the trainees that if capital has been their only challenge, the President has now addressed the issue. He further cautioned the eligible beneficiaries against misusing the funds. “Every qualified beneficiary will receive their share after the ongoing training across all industrial hubs is complete. Your share will be deposited in your Wendi account in Post Bank,” he said. Referring to the President’s vision as per his manifesto, Mr. Kamugisha noted that the establishment of a university for TVET is part of the plan for skilling hub students aimed at enhancing practical education and innovation. He therefore urged the youth to put their skills to productive use. “We can use this small money and become very powerful. The President wants you to use your skills to empower yourselves. That's why he wants to put a university for skilling,” Eng. Kamugisha told the trainees. He added that those who trained in welding and other simpler courses would each receive Shs1.5 million as a loan while those in advanced courses like shoe-making that require machinery would be supported in pairs so that they work together and succeed. Eng. Kamugisha further assured the trainees that the initiative will continue beyond the current phase. He said that the government will continue monitoring the SACCOs to ensure accountability and sustainability. He added that after completion of phase one, a second phase will be launched to assess which beneficiaries are performing well and deserve additional support. “After phase one, we shall level to phase two, we shall monitor and see who is performing well and we shall add them more money,” he said. He concluded by calling on those who don’t have national identity cards registered in their names to get them as this will be a requirement to get a loan. “Those without national identity cards should register, I will go to the office of the Executive Director of NIRA to help those without identity cards get them,” Eng. Kamugisha asserted. Mr. Joseph Lutalo, the Assistant Registrar of Cooperatives from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, emphasized proper management and accountability among the SACCOs and the beneficiaries. “This money is not a reward that you studied from here but a chance since the interest rate is very low, save as soon as you get the money so that you have what to pay back after the one year grace period,” Mr. Lutalo said. On the other hand, Mr. Golooba Lwanga the Manager of Financial Inclusive, Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development urged the participants to make sure that the SACCO loans are managed transparently and benefit the intended beneficiaries. “The President has entrusted you with these funds to uplift yourselves, it’s your duty to handle this money with seriousness and honesty, you are not paying anything to get this loan, but if you fail to pay it back and all recovery effort fail, you will be liable to facing the law” he warned. According to Mr. Golooba, the ongoing training across the Presidential Skilling Hubs is aimed at equipping SACCO leaders and beneficiaries with financial management skills to ensure the sustainability of the program. He explained that by training the leaders on how to handle the loans responsibly, the government hopes to prevent mismanagement and maximise the impact of the President’s initiative to fight unemployment among the youth. The loans from the Presidential Skilling SACCOs shall be financed up to an amount approved by the SACCOs board and approval depends on the nature of the trade and available funds. The maximum amount given to each borrower is Shs1.5 million with an annual interest rate of 6 percent. Testimonies were heard from former students of the Skilling Hubs like Sebalamu Isaac who is now a welder in Munyonyo and he is doing well. Having specialized in welding, Sebalamu revealed that the skills he gained have enabled him to start his own workshop and employ other youth in his community. “I want to thank President Museveni for giving us the skilling opportunity. We were recruited on merit and trained for 6 months without paying anything and I’m now able to get money and employ other youth,” he added. Akankwasa Brian Bruno, the former Guild President of Mengo Zonal Industrial Presidential Skilling hub also thanked President Museveni for the initiative. He said he was a senior six dropout but was lucky to get skills in welding. “I want to thank President Museveni for introducing the skilling hubs. I was a senior six drop out without any hopes of ever going back to school, but my aunt informed me of the skilling hubs where I applied and got a chance. I graduated in welding and I now have my own business employing two people and getting profits of Shs20,000 per day.”

2025-10-15