VP Alupo Presides Over Graduation of 469 Students at Teso Zonal Presidential Hub
The Vice President of Uganda, Jessica Alupo Epel today oversaw the graduation of 469 students at the Teso Presidential Zonal Hub today, marking the culmination of two intakes.
The Teso hub is part of the 19 Zonal hubs established by President Museveni with the aim of skilling the youth and providing them with practical experience.
The hubs serve as part of a broader initiative to equip young people with technical and vocational training, preparing them for the job market.
The programs offered at these hubs are entirely free of charge, with the government covering all expenses, including providing four meals a day for the students during the six-month duration of the courses.
The curriculum includes a range of skills such as welding, shoe making, tailoring, hairdressing, block making, stone cutting, baking, plumbing, electronics, and farm management, among others, ensuring that graduates are equipped with hands-on expertise relevant to various industries.
In her address, VP Alupo emphasized the importance of leveraging Uganda’s resources to achieve economic prosperity.
She commended President Museveni for his leadership in spearheading this initiative and praised his ability to identify and address the needs of the people effectively.
Alupo also expressed gratitude to the government for its support in training the students and congratulated the graduates on their successful completion of the program.
Furthermore, Alupo encouraged hub leaders to explore opportunities in commercial agriculture and ICT, highlighting the potential for graduates to earn income remotely. 
She stressed the importance of preparing youth for employment opportunities in both the private and public sectors, emphasizing the significance of initiatives like these hubs in bridging the gap between skilled workers and available jobs.
Jane Barekye, the State House Comptroller, underscored the importance of skilling youth to become job creators and reduce unemployment and criminality.
She appealed for government support in establishing common user facilities and integrating youth into existing programs like Emyooga and PDM on SACCO basis.
Michael Okumu, the Deputy Director of Mobilization at State House, commended the graduates for their commitment to training and assured them that the certificates they received are recognized within the education system.
He also thanked the UPDF for their contribution to mindset training and urged graduates to make the most of their newly acquired skills.
Don William Nabasa, the 3rd Division Commander, emphasized the role of skilled youth in shaping Uganda’s future and called for the introduction of additional training programs in motor vehicle mechanics and plumbing.
He urged the government to provide necessary equipment to facilitate the use of these skills effectively.
Cypriana Chillanyang, Commissioner of Policy and Planning at the Ministry of Local Government, highlighted the ministry’s role in selecting beneficiaries and urged local governments to leverage the skills of youth to contribute to national development.
Kirabo Jass, one of the graduates, expressed gratitude for the skills acquired, noting that they would enable her to support her family financially and contribute to her community’s development.
She thanked President Museveni for the opportunities provided to the youth of Teso. 
