Teso leaders warned against favouritism in Presidential Industrial Skilling Hub beneficiary selection

What the report says

Watchdog Uganda reports that district leaders in the Teso sub-region have been cautioned against favouritism, corruption and admitting ineligible people into the Presidential Industrial Skilling Hub programme. The warning was delivered at a stakeholders’ engagement at the Teso Zonal Presidential Industrial Skilling Hub by Eng. Raymond Kamugisha, Director of Presidential Projects and Industrial Hubs at State House, who represented State House Comptroller Jane Barekye. He said the programme is intended for vulnerable youth and applicants must be at least 18 years old.

According to the report, Kamugisha also introduced Patrick Okadepap as the new regional finance officer responsible for supervising SACCOs linked to the Teso hub. He said the role is meant to protect public funds given to graduates and ensure the money supports the intended income-generating activities. District local governments were asked to provide office space for the SACCOs, while better-managed SACCOs could receive additional capital in future.

The meeting also discussed the next phase of the programme, including planned Common User Facilities and value-addition centres. Watchdog Uganda reported that district leaders were asked to identify at least six acres of land, preferably in urban areas, for shared production facilities. Kamugisha said the Uganda Investment Authority has already allocated land to State House for a Common User Facility and a Four-Acre Model demonstration site for the Teso hub.

Regional leaders welcomed the initiative but asked State House to increase training slots, saying demand is higher than the current allocation of about 20 trainees per district and Soroti City. The hub serves several areas including Amuria, Bukedea, Kaberamaido, Kumi, Ngora, Serere, Soroti City and Soroti District. Beneficiaries cited in the report said the training and SACCO support had helped them start small businesses, while others requested refresher training in entrepreneurship and SACCO management.