President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has urged the people of Karamoja to adopt modern practices in agriculture, industry, and services to lift themselves out of poverty. He made the call on November 4, 2024, while commissioning the Karamoja Presidential Industrial Hub in Lokitidede Town Council, Napak District.
Museveni emphasized four sectors essential for wealth creation: commercial agriculture for food security and income, manufacturing, services like healthcare and education, and Information and Communication Technology (ICT). He called for a shift from manual labor to mechanization, citing the success of the Ankole region, which transitioned from nomadic grazing to modern farming.
“Our work in the NRM has been to wake up Ugandans since the 1960s,” said Museveni. “Ankole people are now very rich because they embraced modern practices. Karamoja can achieve the same.”
He advised the community to prioritize education, healthcare, and electrification while reducing dependence on firewood. The President also proposed that the hub allocate four acres of land for a demonstration project showcasing optimal agricultural practices under the four-acre model.
The Karamoja Industrial Hub, established to equip youths with practical skills, has already trained thousands in welding, carpentry, tailoring, bakery, hairdressing, and electronics. Some graduates have secured jobs in the Uganda Police Force and the Uganda People’s Defence Forces, while others have started small businesses.
Vice President Jessica Alupo lauded Museveni for empowering young people and fostering economic growth. “We appreciate your focus on ensuring no one is left behind in the money economy,” Alupo said, highlighting the distribution of industrial hubs across the country as a testament to inclusive development.
Minister for Karamoja Affairs Peter Lokeris credited the government for transforming Karamoja from a region plagued by cattle rustling to one embracing modern economic practices.
Mr. John Paul Kodet, the Zonal Chairperson of the Karamoja Industrial Hub, noted that the hub aligns with the NRM manifesto’s goal of turning job seekers into job creators. “We have reintegrated 30 former street children, equipping them with skills they now use productively,” Kodet said. However, he urged the government to address challenges such as limited capacity and lack of transport for emergencies.
Beneficiaries shared their success stories, including Aleper James from Kotido, who transitioned from being unskilled to a shoemaker. “My goal is to save UGX 4.5 million to start my own workshop,” he said. Agu Rebecca from Kotido Municipality shared how her hairdressing skills helped her save UGX 1 million and support her family.