Inspection of skills development projects begins

PIC: Youth training in welding at the Rainbow House of Hope Uganda. (Credit: Agnes Nantambi)

FUNDS | SKILLS DEVELOPMENT

The grants committee of the skills development project has started inspections of all projects supported under the fund.

The committee, headed by the chairperson, Eng. Martin Kasekende, is slated to traverse the country to establish whether the money received was used properly.

The money given under the skills development fund through the Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU), and supported by the World Bank, is aimed at promoting different skills and competences. It also helps beneficiaries receive certification for the skills attained.

The $18m funds given through the education ministry to enhance skills development is being implemented by PSFU, which is an umbrella body of the private sector.

The committee, which started with the inspection of the Steel and Tubes Industries company in Namanve, also visited Kisaasi Mixed Farm in Lugazi and shoemakers in Mukono, among others.

Beneficiaries of the skills development project learning how to knit sweaters 

Kasekende said the inspection is aimed at establishing the amount of money given per a particular group and what has been done on the ground.

"We are in charge of approving the money to different people and this inspection is part of our accountability," he said.

He observed that many times, people approve money without going to the ground to establish what is there. Kasekende said the committee wanted to see and also assess how much money was given to a particular group and what it has been able to do.

"We do not want the bank to ask when we have no answers. These people who received the funds must show to us what they have done so that they are able to apply for the second batch of funds," he said.

Kasekende advised the public to always apply for the money when ready to utilise it to ensure proper utilisation and value for money.