education 25 August 2026 State House (Uganda)
Uganda Expands Vocational Training with Three New Presidential Skilling Hubs
President Yoweri Museveni has approved the establishment of three new Presidential Industrial Skilling Hubs in Ntungamo, Bushenyi, and Kalangala districts to increase vocational training access for vulnerable youth. This expansion aims to alleviate competition for limited slots at existing centres and introduce new skill-based courses. Source: https://statehouse.go.ug/president-museveni-approves-three-new-skilling-hubs-to-expand-vocational-training-opportunities-for-vulnerable-youth
Uganda is set to enhance vocational training opportunities for its youth with the approval of three new Presidential Industrial Skilling Hubs. The hubs will be located in Ntungamo and Bushenyi districts within the Ankole sub-region, and a third in the island district of Kalangala. This initiative responds to concerns raised by regional leaders regarding the high competition for training slots at the current Presidential Industrial Skilling Hubs.
Ms. Jane Barekye, State House Comptroller, announced the development, highlighting that some existing hubs serve numerous administrative units, leading to as few as 14 training slots per intake in certain areas. The new facilities are expected to ease the pressure on existing centres and allow more young people to acquire practical, employable skills.
In Kalangala, the new hub will specifically address the logistical challenges faced by youth on the islands, who often find it difficult and costly to travel to mainland training locations. Currently, the Greater Masaka hub serves ten administrative units; the Kalangala facility will allow for a more balanced distribution, with each hub managing five units.
Construction of these new hubs will commence once local governments officially provide suitable land. The expansion will also see the introduction of four new vocational courses: weaving and knitting, plumbing, electrical installation, and electrical wiring. These additions are designed to broaden the skill sets offered, preparing young people for direct employment or entrepreneurship.
Furthermore, admission requirements have been eased for vulnerable youth lacking National Identification Cards. Applicants without IDs can now present recommendation letters from their LC1 chairpersons to gain entry, while efforts are made to help them obtain the necessary documentation. This measure ensures that a lack of formal identification does not hinder access to vital skills training.
Concerns have also been raised about the low uptake of SACCO loans by program graduates, despite available funding for business startup. Graduates are being urged to leverage these financial opportunities to translate their newly acquired skills into sustainable livelihoods. The expansion of skilling hubs signifies a reinforced government commitment to practical skills development as a key strategy for youth empowerment and economic growth.
Source: State House (Uganda)