BUGIRI — State House is set to establish another Presidential Industrial Skilling Hub in Bugiri District as part of efforts to expand access to vocational and industrial skills for young people in the Busoga sub-region.
The development was announced by State House Comptroller Jane Barekye during a stakeholders’ engagement at the Busoga Zonal Presidential Industrial Skilling Hub in Jinja City on Friday, October 2, 2026.
Barekye said President Yoweri Museveni had directed that a new hub be established in Bugiri and called on local leaders to identify suitable land where the facility can be constructed.
She said the additional centre will help bring skills training closer to young people in Bugiri and ease pressure on existing training opportunities in the region.
The engagement brought together State House officials, Resident District Commissioners and local government leaders from Busoga.
Barekye also raised concerns about alleged interference in the selection of beneficiaries, warning that politically or socially connected individuals should not take opportunities meant for vulnerable young people.
She said State House would strengthen the verification process, including conducting home visits to establish the circumstances of applicants before they are admitted.
The Presidential Industrial Skilling Hubs currently train young people in practical trades including welding, carpentry and joinery, bakery, tailoring, hairdressing, shoemaking and building and concrete practice.
State House officials said additional courses, including electrical installation, knitting and weaving, mechanical engineering and plumbing, are also being introduced to widen the range of skills available to beneficiaries.
Barekye further urged local leaders to monitor graduates who receive start-up financing through hub SACCOs to ensure the funds are used for productive activities.
She said the Government plans to inject additional funds into the SACCOs to strengthen their ability to support graduates to establish businesses.
At the meeting, Iganga District LC5 Chairperson Shabiru Isabirye, who chairs the Busoga Zonal Presidential Industrial Skilling Hub, welcomed the programme and called for another hub to be established in Iganga.
Isabirye, who was elected on the National Unity Platform (NUP) ticket, said political differences should not prevent leaders from supporting programmes that benefit communities.
He also appealed for support to secure a land title and fence the existing Busoga Zonal Hub premises to protect it from possible encroachment.
State House Project Coordinator for Eastern and Northern Uganda, Godfrey Longa, urged district selection committees to identify suitable young people for training, stressing that the hubs are intended to provide practical vocational and industrial skills.
The Bugiri proposal forms part of a wider State House expansion of the Presidential Industrial Skilling Hubs, which are being promoted as a response to youth unemployment and limited access to formal employment and education opportunities.
The programme provides young people with practical skills aimed at enabling them to secure employment, start businesses and contribute to household income and wealth creation.
