Youth want special budget for vocational centers

By Henry Sekanjako

YOUTH under the body umbrella youth budget advocacy alliance; have asked the government to set up a special budget for the establishment of community vocational centers in different sub counties around the country.

According to the youth, the establishment of such centers will enable youth acquire vocational skills and start up their own jobs for self-employment.

The youth noted that majority of the young people have not benefited from programs like the youth livelihood program which have been abused by their leaders.

“We have not benefited from any of the government programs, they tell us to form SACCOS but the same leaders end up creating SACCOs and distribute the money amongst themselves, we are tired of these groups,” said Madinah Namubiru  a youth from Bwaise.

Aisha Kizito, another youth from Bwaise noted many youth had attained degrees and diplomas from various Universities, but have failed to get jobs adding that with the establishment of vocational centers at sub county level, many will be able to acquire hands-on skills and start up income generating activities.

“When budgeting for the youth this financial year, the government should highly consider avenues where youth can be mentored to start up their own jobs, the money that is allocated to youth programs every year, has not been eaten up by individuals and it has not served its purpose,” she noted.

Speaking during a youth dialogue on the 2015/2016 budget at the Bwaise youth employment center, the youth also demanded that the government allocates more funding into the Agricultural sector and also encourage the youth to embrace farming for economic empowerment.

The youth further demanded that the government sets up a separate youth ministry to concentrate on youth affairs.

“This year’s budget has been increased to sh18.3 trillion but where is the youth budget? Where does this money go if it is not invested in the youth who are the majority in this country,” asked Ivan Otim the acting coordinator Youth budget advocacy alliance.

In last years’ budget (2014/2015) the government allocated sh25b towards the youth livelihood program to enable youth start up income generating activities. 

However according to the youth, the money didn’t trickle down to the intended beneficiaries more so the ordinary youth.