State House Allocates UGX 100 Million to Zombo Skilling Hub Beneficiaries’ SACCO

State House Allocates UGX 100 Million to Zombo Skilling Hub Beneficiaries’ SACCO

By Mike Rwothomio

ZOMBO, UGANDA: Over 80 trainees from the West Nile Zonal Presidential Skilling Hub in Zombo are set to benefit from a UGX 100 million investment from State House under the Presidential Initiative on Skilling the Youth.

 This funding aims to bolster the hub’s Savings and Credit Cooperative Organization (SACCO), empowering graduates to launch entrepreneurial ventures.

Amos Jacan, Zombo’s District Youth Chairperson, noted that the 100 million SACCO funding will enable trainees to acquire startup kits, fostering self-reliance through income-generating enterprises. 

He urged youth to leverage this initiative to enhance their livelihoods.

" We lobbied this from the government, now we have formed the SACCO ready to receive Ugx 100 million under Presidential skilling hub innitiave, it's inform of loan, I encourage the beneficiaries to effectively utilize the funds to transform their lives " Jacan told this Publication in an interview.

The announcement follows President Yoweri Museveni’s recent directive to expand skilling hubs nationwide, targeting a capacity of 500 learners per hub. 

Planned enhancements include additional dormitories and specialized training facilities for high-demand trades such as motor mechanics, plumbing, and electrical installation.

Mr. Godfrey Longa, Senior Presidential Advisor for Political Affairs, emphasized during a recent engagement in Maracha that President Museveni has instructed youth in every district to form associations and register SACCOs, with dedicated funding to support these efforts.

The Zombo beneficiaries, drawn from various sub-counties, are part of cohorts graduating since 2023 from the Zombo hub in Aka Sub-County. 

Serving over 10 West Nile districts, the hub annually graduates more than 200 students equipped with practical skills.

Established in West Nile, the Presidential Skilling Hub has graduated over 600 youths from over 10 West Nile's districts since 2023, offering training in high-demand fields such as hairdressing, carpentry, and mechanics. 

Songa Biyika Lawrence, Ora County MP, underscored the transformative impact of hands-on skills for youth employability.

The initiative addresses Uganda’s youth unemployment crisis, with over 70% of the population being young. 

 Recently in Pagisi-Namthin road groundbreaking ceremony, Zombo’s Resident District Commissioner, Festus Ayikobua, advocated for youth participation in government programs to combat poverty.

 Currently, 19 Presidential Industrial Hubs nationwide train over 12,000 youth annually in practical disciplines, including construction, welding, tailoring, and agriculture.