By Frank Kamuntu
The State House Comptroller, Jane Barekye, has refuted claims by some Members of Parliament (MPs) that the Presidential Initiative on Skilling Youths program selectively admits participants based on their political affiliations. Barekye condemned these accusations, stating that they threaten to undermine a vital presidential initiative.
Barekye made these remarks while appearing before Parliament’s Government Assurance Committee on 8th October, 2024, where she was summoned to provide an update on government promises made under the Presidency.
In response to the allegations, Barekye said, “This is really wrong, and I curse it. The selection of youths for the program is not based on political affiliation. In fact, the Zonal Hubs managing the Industrial Hubs include members from all political parties, including the National Unity Platform (NUP). For instance, in Mityana, the head of the committee is from NUP, and in Mukono, the LCV Chair is also from NUP. The selection is non-partisan, and we reject any notion to the contrary as it threatens to harm this important initiative.”
The Comptroller was responding to concerns raised by MPs Abed Bwanika (Kimaanya-Kabonero) and Acrobert Kiiza (Bughendera County), who questioned the selection criteria for the program. Bwanika suggested that political bias may influence the selection process, saying, “From what I have observed, there seems to be a preference for individuals from certain political parties.”
Kiiza echoed these sentiments, stating that in some areas, local officials like LCV Chairpersons or Resident District Commissioners (RDCs) were involved in the selection process, which may create conflicts of interest. He asked for clarification on who is responsible for the selection of youths, particularly in opposition-leaning areas.
Barekye also clarified that there are no current plans to transfer the Skilling Youths program to the Ministry of Education. She explained, “This program is a Presidential initiative, and only the President can decide whether it should be moved to the Ministry of Education. For now, State House will continue to manage it.”
Her response followed a query by Bwanika, who suggested that State House should focus on its core mandate and transfer the skilling project to the relevant ministry after piloting it.
Additionally, MPs raised concerns over the failure to provide training kits to graduates of the program, citing frustration among youths who cannot afford the tools to start their own businesses. Barekye acknowledged that the practice of issuing kits was stopped after many trainees sold the equipment due to financial struggles.
She explained, “We used to distribute kits in Kampala, but this became problematic as some trainees, unable to afford rent or operating costs, would sell the equipment. The President has since directed that we focus on establishing common user facilities in commercial districts, where the youths can share high-tech equipment to produce goods, generate capital, and eventually become self-reliant.”
Barekye also revealed that State House has adopted a new strategy to group trained youths into SACCOs (Savings and Credit Cooperative Organizations) in their respective districts, allowing them to access revolving funds for startup capital.
“We are registering all program graduates into district-based SACCOs so that the government can inject funds into these groups. This way, the youths can access revolving funds to start their own businesses,” she said. “We are also exploring the idea of establishing common user facilities equipped with high-quality machinery to produce competitive products for both local and international markets.”
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