State House has warned local leaders in the Teso sub-region against corruption and favoritism during the selection of candidates for the Presidential Industrial Skilling Hub.
Director of Presidential Projects and Industrial Hubs Eng. Raymond Kamugisha issued the directive during a stakeholders' engagement meeting at the Teso Zonal Presidential Industrial Skilling Hub. He represented State House Comptroller Ms. Jane Barekye.
Eng. Kamugisha urged leaders to reserve training opportunities strictly for underprivileged youth rather than their well-off relatives.
“Do not bring your own children or well-off relatives,” Eng. Kamugisha said. “This programme is intended to fight poverty and transform mindsets. We want the most vulnerable young people to benefit from these opportunities.”
He reminded officials that candidates must be at least 18 years old to qualify for admission.
To protect public funds, Eng. Kamugisha introduced Patrick Okadepap as the new Regional Finance Officer tasked with supervising the hub's graduate SACCOs. He warned that any official attempting to misappropriate SACCO funds will face strict legal consequences.
“When we established these SACCOs, we decided to recruit finance managers because public money must be protected,” Eng. Kamugisha stated. “Their role is to ensure beneficiaries use the funds for their intended purpose.”
He disclosed that State House will construct Common User Facilities and value-addition centers on six-acre plots of land provided by local governments to help graduates manufacture products competitively.
Special Presidential Assistant in Charge of Political Affairs Mr. Godfrey Longa commended residents for embracing the program, while local leaders, including Soroti City Resident City Commissioner Mr. John Michael Okurut, appealed for an increase in district enrollment quotas to match rising public demand.
