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President Yoweri Museveni has approved a plan to support graduates from Uganda’s Presidential Industrial Hubs through district-based SACCOs, providing start-up capital for small enterprises.

Museveni while commissioning the Bukedi Zonal Presidential Industrial Hub in Kibuku District during his Parish Development Model (PDM) Assessment Tour.

President Yoweri Museveni has approved a new initiative allowing graduates from the Presidential Industrial Hubs to access start-up capital through district-based SACCOs. Under the plan, each district will establish a SACCO specifically for hub graduates, enabling them to save together and borrow funds to launch enterprises.

“When the children left here, they struggled on their own,” Museveni said. “Now, the Comptroller has brought a very good idea, which I have approved. Let’s have a SACCO per district for graduates of the Presidential Industrial Hubs, so they can start saving together, and the government can add funding.”

Museveni announced the plan while commissioning the Bukedi Zonal Presidential Industrial Hub in Kibuku District during his Parish Development Model (PDM) Assessment Tour. The Bukedi hub is one of 19 nationwide, established to combat youth unemployment through vocational training and entrepreneurship.

The President compared the district SACCOs to the PDM SACCOs, explaining that hub graduates can borrow funds for their businesses and repay later. He also mentioned plans to equip district hubs with common tools, allowing members to borrow materials as well as tools, creating a robust support system for small enterprises.

Museveni approved an increase in the intake of Bukedi hub beneficiaries, raising the number from 240 to 280 learners. He also agreed to the idea of providing a transport van for each hub to facilitate access.

Addressing the Bukedi community, Museveni urged them to distinguish between development and wealth creation, explaining that an area can be developed but still have poor residents. “Development is for everybody, but the poverty is yours in your home,” he said. “A tarmac road will be there, but you may go and sleep in a leaking grass-thatched house. Development will come, but you need to work toward creating wealth to improve your livelihoods.”

Regarding education, the President encouraged residents to support government efforts to end fees in public schools. He noted that 82 percent of children in Kibuku District drop out of school by Primary Seven, with only 18 percent completing. “The blockage is the charges,” he said, emphasizing the need for free education to keep children in school.

Museveni attributed the establishment of the Presidential Industrial Hubs to his goal of demonstrating the benefits of free education. “I didn’t have time to fight those introducing fees in government schools, so I started my own project,” he said. “These hubs allow children to study for free.”

Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja thanked the President for his vision in initiating development projects. Reflecting on Kibuku’s progress since her tenure as RDC in 2001, she cited improvements in roads, schools, and health facilities. However, she acknowledged the ongoing issue of school fees in government institutions and pledged action to ensure free education.

Kibuku District LCV Chairperson Hajji Nakeba Muhammad expressed gratitude for the hub, noting its alignment with the NRM Manifesto’s goal of transforming youth into skilled workers. “This hub has already answered the question of youth unemployment and value addition,” he said.

Nakeba reported that, within a year, 719 youths—372 girls and 347 boys—have been trained in various skills, with many securing employments in workshops, salons, and factories, while others joined the UPDF. The four-acre model farm at the hub will now serve as a training ground for commercial agriculture.

State House Comptroller Ms. Jane Barekye also received commendation for her support toward the hub’s success.

The event drew participation from ministers, Members of Parliament, and other leaders.