The Third Deputy Premier, Hajjati Rukia Isanga Nakadama, has launched a free skilling program in Mayuge District aimed at empowering young mothers and fathers who dropped out of school. The initiative seeks to tackle the high unemployment rates among young people in Uganda by providing them with practical skills.

Nakadama received equipment worth Shs 140 million from the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) to support the program.

She encouraged locals to embrace the skilling hub, which will offer training in various skills to help youths start their own businesses.

The skilling hub was established in response to a report highlighting the high number of young mothers in the district. Nakadama expressed optimism that the hub will make skills training accessible, especially since it is free of charge.

"I am committed to equipping this skilling center to provide the best skills," Nakadama said, urging students to enroll in large numbers and assuring them that their potential will be realized.

The hub is also expected to complement the government's existing skilling initiatives, such as the one in Jinja District, to address the increasing number of youths seeking practical skills as a path to employment.

This program aligns with the government's broader efforts to combat unemployment through skilling initiatives.

By providing young people with practical skills, the program aims to empower them to become self-reliant and contribute to Uganda's economic growth.

The free skilling initiative in Mayuge is seen as a beacon of hope for young people who have been struggling due to a lack of opportunities.

With support from organizations like TIKA, the government is committed to ensuring that every young person has access to skills training, paving the way for a brighter future.