'Direct focus towards skilling of youth'

The government and other higher learning institutions need to shift attention to the skilling of youths in order to prepare them for economic challenges facing Uganda.

This is according to Veronica Ssempebwa, the CEO of KiBO Foundation.

She said Ugandan youth face serious challenges of unemployment with rates as high as 63%.

"Young people's economic vitality and ambition are powerful engines that spur growth," Ssempebwa added. Uganda has the youngest population in the world 78% are aged below 30 years.

The remarks were made at the passing out of over 50 youths at Entebbe Mayor's Garden who had completed a 10 week program on leadership, entrepreneurship, technology and giving back to communities.

The program targets vulnerable youths between the ages of 15-25 years who had dropped out of school, vocational institutions or informal businesses either because of financial or other unforeseen social constraints.

The students who were awarded certificates donated commodities worth sh2.3m to the less privileged school of Entebbe Welfare community school and Purpose Babies Home Uganda located at Bunono.

"Altogether, students raised 2.3m to invest in helping two communities by providing them the most needed items.Additionally,these young people have donated 1925 hours of service benefiting 11 communities," Ssempebwa said.

The items included metallic windows and doors, cement, chairs and sugar.

The students also offered a free training in liquid soap making to community members and staff at Purpose Uganda Babies Home at Bunono.