10,000 to get business skills in countrywide roll out programme
Apr 09, 2014
Over 10,000 locals from 20 districts are set to benefit from a new five-year government entrepreneurship and skills development programme.
By Patrick Jaramogi
Over 10,000 locals from 20 districts are set to benefit from a new five-year government entrepreneurship and skills development programme.
The skills development programme that was introduced last year is being implemented by the Management Training and Advisory Center (MTAC).
Trade Minister Amelia Kyambadde revealed that taking services closer to the grassroots is a benchmark towards alleviating poverty and creating jobs for the locals.
The skills being introduced in the districts of Mbale, Pader, Lira, Iganga, Mbarara, Luwero, Rukungiri, Kasese, Kabale, Ntungamo and Bushenyi include accounting and finance, Entrepreneurship business management, book keeping and administration and management skills.
Davis Wambwa tha Mbale MTAC administrative assistant said so far over 300 locals from the districts of Manafwa, Budadiri, Sironko and Katakwi had benefited from the programme.
“Those who used to travel long distances to get the same experience can now do it from their door step,” he said.
Latim Alfred from Lira said the rolling out of the skills development programme in northern Uganda had helped many business personalities get business development tips.
“Many of those who have come here now save and keep a good track of their businesses,” said Latim.
Isa Senyonjo from Luwero noted that the programme had led to job creation in the district.
Soliter Nabeeta, the director of Programmes at MTAC said government had through the Ministry of Trade and MTAC initiated the idea of taking the programmes closer to the people to increase on skills development.
“The nation doesn’t have many institutions yet the population is growing. There is a growing demand for skills development across the country,” said Nabeeta.
He noted that the number of students enrolled had shot up from 40 in 2008 to over 1000 today.
“The skills development roll out programme has enabled many locals learn skills in soap and candle making as well as shoe making,” he said.
He said most students who enrol don’t only get certificates after the course but also can start their own job creation due to the skills gathered.
The MTAC executive director, Dr. George Tumwesigye said the entrepreneurship skills development Programme is geared to creating new jobs and businesses.
He said the countrywide roll out programme targets the informal people with no or little formal education but doing businesses and engaged in agriculture.
According to experts, the programme has helped many businesses that used to close shop before the first birthday to gain a sense of hope in business entrepreneurship.
Moses Ogwal the manager advocacy Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU) notes that empowering the locals in skills development is the sole source of alleviating poverty and enhancing business growth.
Over 70% of businesses in Uganda collapse before their first birthday because majority of the people engaged in business have informal business skills.
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