Join SACCOs to get startup funds, RIBTE graduates told

By Gladys Kalibbala

KAMPALA - The latest group of graduates from Royal Institute of Business & Technical Education (RIBTE) have been called on to join Savings And Credit Co-operatives (SACCOs) so as to get funds to enable them start their own income-generating activities.

While many graduates today worry about getting jobs soonest, Juliet Nabisere does not.

She is among the over 700 youth who graduated from RIBTE on Friday.

During the graduation ceremony of the Bwaise-based institution, Nabisere demonstrated before guests what she had learnt in electrical installation, and revealed that she already has customers.
 

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Juliet Nabisere demonstrates what she had learnt in her electrical installation course. (Credit:Gladys Kalibbala)

She expressed her determination to take on a career many regard as a man job.

 “Choosing the electrical installation course was the best thing I have so far done. While many women still regard this course as one for men, I have no regrets at all as I have acquired very useful skills.”

John Lubega, the director of RIBTE, hailed Nabisere for being focused during her two-year course (Certificate in Electrical Installation Craft Course) from which she acquired a first-class.

“As you graduate today, we expect you to commit yourselves to the knowledge you have acquired, and the skills as well as competence to enable you become self-reliant,” he told the graduates who have been trained to become job creators.

Lubega further urged them to join SACCOs as a channel to starting up activities that would bring income into their pockets.

“It will be a disappointment to find you joining the bigger number of youths who are job seekers when you have been trained with enough skills,” said the director.
 

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Graduates celebrate their academic achievement. (Credit: Gladys Kalibbala)

The chief guest at the ceremony, Joseph Mukwaya (former CAO for Masaka) who represented the Minister Vincent Bamulangaki Sempijja, appreciated the skills passed on to the students by the institute.

He warned graduates against gambling and ill-gotten wealth, and called them on to be thankful for their parents and caretakers for seeing them through their education.

 “Many [parents/guardians] don’t have much but they want to make sure that you achieve strong foundations for your future.”

The institution, which has two examination bodies – UBTEB & DIT catering for both Business and Technical – to enable students suit the national and international markets, awarded them with certificates and diplomas in different fields.

Among the courses awarded for were: Business management, Journalism, Plumbing, Electrical Installation, Secretarial studies, Catering and Hotel Management, Nursery Teaching, Motor Vehicle Technician, and others.
 

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RIBTE director John Lubega receives a present during the graduation ceremony. Looking on from the extreme right at the back is the representative chief guest Joseph Mukwaya. (Credit: Gladys Kalibbala)

 

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Those who had focused on electrical installation demonstrated that they had learnt. (Credit: Gladys Kalibbala)

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It was the 5th graduation ceremony for the institution. (Credit: Gladys Kalibbala)

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The courses taught at the institute are wide-ranging, including that of hair dressing. (Credit: Gladys Kalibbala)

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There was plenty of entertainment for the guests. (Credit: Gladys Kalibbala)