Minister Musasizi urges Rubanda residents to shun political violence

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Residents of Rubanda district have been urged to steer clear of political violence as Uganda prepares for the upcoming elections. 

The call was made by State Minister for Finance (General Duties) Henry Ariganyira Musasizi during a graduation and fundraising ceremony at Rubanda Technical Institute in Kandiihe village, Nyaruhanga ward, Rubanda town council on Saturday, March 15.

Musasizi reminded the public that every citizen has the right to make political choices freely and warned against forcing others to support particular candidates.

He condemned the violence seen in the 2021 general elections, where individuals were harassed over political differences, vowing that such actions will not be tolerated this time.

“We must remember that politics is about choices. Everyone has the freedom to support the candidate of their choice without fear of intimidation. The era of violence and political intolerance must come to an end,” Musasizi stated.

He also urged local leaders and security agencies to collaborate in ensuring a peaceful electoral process, emphasising that stability and unity are crucial for Rubanda’s and Uganda’s development.

Empowering youth through skills development

Beyond politics, Musasizi encouraged young people to make informed career choices that align with the evolving global job market. He highlighted the importance of technical and vocational education in addressing unemployment.

“The world is changing, and the demand for technical skills is increasing. I urge the youth to embrace technical and vocational education as a means of self-reliance and economic empowerment,” he said.

Musasizi advised students to pursue courses in high-demand fields such as agro-processing, manufacturing, services (including hospitality, banking, and tourism), and science and technology, which offer better job prospects.

He also cautioned against prioritising social science programs that often lead to prolonged job searches, urging parents to guide their children toward practical and employable skills.

He commended Kabale Diocese for promoting skills development aligned with market demands and encouraged graduates to take advantage of government initiatives like the Emyooga programme and the Parish Development Model to boost their economic opportunities.

Rubanda Technical Institute to become a public institution

In a significant announcement, Musasizi revealed that Rubanda Technical Institute will soon transition into a public institution under government management, a move expected to enhance access to quality technical education in the region.

The event’s chief guest, Jackline Katabazi, who represented Col. Emmy Katabazi, the Deputy Director of the Internal Security Organisation (ISO), emphasised the role of technical education in equipping youth with practical skills for job creation.

“Technical education is vital for sustainable development. It empowers young people with the skills they need to innovate and contribute to the growth of our nation,” Katabazi noted.

Rev. Fr. Isaac Turinawe, the institution’s principal, praised the graduates for their hard work and urged them to use their acquired skills to transform their communities.

A total of 250 graduates received qualifications in various technical and vocational disciplines, including electrical engineering, carpentry, and tailoring.