Uganda: Museveni Allocates Second Industrial Hub to North Karamoja
President Yoweri Museveni has approved the establishment of a second Presidential Zonal Industrial Hub for the Karamoja sub-region, expanding access to vocational training and economic empowerment for young people. The new facility will serve the North Karamoja cluster and was announced by State House Comptroller Jane Barekye during a stakeholder engagement at the existing Karamoja Zonal Industrial Hub in Napak District.
Expanded Coverage for North Karamoja
The newly allocated hub will cater to the following areas:
- Abim
- Karenga
- Kaabong
- Kotido Municipality
- Kotido District
The current hub in Napak will continue to serve the rest of the sub-region, including Nakapiripirit, Nabilatuk, Napak, Moroto Municipality and Moroto District. The expansion is designed to reduce travel distances for trainees and open more slots for youth from across Karamoja.
Fulfilling a Campaign Commitment
Barekye emphasized that the additional hub delivers on the President’s campaign pledge to the people of Karamoja and fits within government’s broader strategy to equip youth with practical, employable skills. She urged local leaders to provide suitable land so construction can begin, noting, “Once land is availed, we shall construct the industrial hub for North Karamoja.”
The announcement received strong backing from local leaders, several of whom committed to support land acquisition for the project. Those pledging cooperation included Kotido District Chairperson Lotee Paul Komol (Kacheri Boy); Karenga Deputy Resident District Commissioner Ronald Kedi Ongodia; Kotido Municipality Mayor Peter Abrahams Irar; and Abim District LCV Chairperson Johnny De West Ariko.
Ariko confirmed that Abim District has already secured land, stating that 70 acres with a title are ready to be handed over to State House for the project.
Hands-On Training and Startup Support
The Presidential Zonal Industrial Hubs provide intensive, six-month hands-on training aimed at tackling youth unemployment through skills development and entrepreneurship. Core training areas include:
- Carpentry and joinery
- Tailoring and fashion design
- Welding and metal fabrication
- Automotive mechanics
- Agribusiness and value addition
Graduates are supported to form Savings and Credit Cooperative Organisations (SACCOs), enabling them to access startup capital, acquire tools and equipment, and launch income-generating enterprises. This model helps trainees transition from classroom learning to practical livelihoods and small business ownership.
New Finance Manager Appointed
During the stakeholder meeting, John Bosco Lorot was introduced as the new Finance Manager for the Karamoja Zonal Industrial Hub. He will oversee financial operations, including the management of SACCO funds formed by graduates. Barekye noted that Lorot underwent a competitive recruitment process and is well-qualified, adding that his local roots and credibility will help build trust with communities and trainees.
Projected Impact
Officials expect the second hub to significantly expand training capacity in Karamoja, allowing more young people to gain marketable skills, increase household incomes and contribute to the region’s economic growth. By bringing training closer to underserved districts, the initiative aims to boost completion rates, enhance employability and stimulate local enterprise development across North Karamoja.
With strong community support and dedicated management, the expanded network of Presidential Zonal Industrial Hubs is poised to deepen the impact of vocational education in the sub-region and accelerate progress toward sustainable, youth-led economic transformation.
