Photo: Justine Nameere/X
State Minister for Local Government Justine Nameere has reaffirmed the government’s focus on vocational training and youth empowerment after presiding over the graduation of more than 200 young people at the St. Jude Family Projects Agro-Ecological Centre of Excellence in Busense.
Speaking during the ceremony held on Sunday, August 2, Nameere described the initiative as a critical intervention in addressing youth unemployment and promoting self-reliance through practical skills.
The centre, supported by partners from Germany under the Uganda Rural Revitalization and Empowerment Programme (URREP), equips learners with hands-on training in agriculture and technical trades.
Graduates received training in poultry keeping, piggery, fisheries, and crop farming, alongside vocational skills such as electrical engineering, plumbing, and building.
Nameere commended the founders, administrators, and donors behind the project, noting that such partnerships are key to expanding opportunities for young people at the grassroots.
“To support their transition into the workforce, I awarded start-up capital of UGX 1 million to the four best-performing students in each discipline,” Nameere said, adding that the government remains committed to strengthening skills-based education as a pathway to job creation.
The minister also highlighted a personal story that drew attention during the event, recognising a mother who supported her 16-year-old daughter after she became pregnant.
Rather than withdrawing her from education, the mother enrolled her in the skilling programme to rebuild her future.
“In appreciation of her resilience and commitment, I awarded the mother UGX 500,000, and UGX 1 million in start-up capital to the young mother to begin her journey,” Nameere said.
She noted that such cases underscore the importance of inclusive community support systems, particularly for vulnerable groups, including teenage mothers seeking a second chance through education and skills development.
Nameere reiterated her dual role as Woman MP for Masaka City and Minister of State for Local Government, pledging continued engagement with constituents while advancing national service delivery priorities.
The graduation marks a milestone for the centre, which continues to position itself as a hub for practical training aimed at equipping youth with employable skills and promoting local economic development.