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Recently, the Minister of ICT, c Dr.Chris Baryomunsi accompanied by his wife, Madam Fosca Twebaze, joined the MP for Kinkiizi West, Hon. James Kaberuka, Kanungu District NRM Chairperson Mr. Godfrey Karabenda, District Speaker Mr. Frank Byaruhanga, and LC5 aspirant Rev. Justus Tibesigwa at a fundraiser held at Bwindi Vocational Institute in Buhoma Town Council. The event aimed to raise funds for the construction of a three-storey ICT complex at the institute.
The group was warmly welcomed by Mr. Agaba Adams and Mrs. Mwajuma Twaha Adams, proprietors of Bwindi Community Vocational College, a leading tourism and vocational training institute in Kanungu District. The Directors have transffered their efforts into buying a two-acre land, dedicated to providing vocational skills to the most underprivileged youth in the Kigezi sub-region. The fundraiser seeks to further empower these individuals with skills in computer repair and maintenance, electrical installation, building construction, plumbing, motor vehicle repair, and other vocational trades.
In his speech, Mr. Frank Byaruhanga commended the outstanding work of Mr. Agaba Adams and Ms.Mwajuma Twaha Adams. He also urged the Ministry of Education & Sports to fully implement the TVET Act, which has yet to be properly streamlined into the education system. Byaruhanga called on the Minister of ICT to advocate for the inclusion of vocational programs in both lower and upper primary schools to reduce dependency within the population.
Hon. James Kaberuka delivered an inspiring speech, urging the Minister of ICT & National Guidance to address the growing issue of brain drain in the country. He pointed out that many young people seek less gainful employment abroad due to a lack of opportunities in local industries. Hon. Kaberuka emphasized the need to strengthen industrial skills and promote tea farming, noting that 30% of Kanungu District’s population directly benefits from the tea industry. He argued that supporting vocational skills could significantly boost GDP and employment rates.
The Minister of ICT, who also serves as the MP for Kinkiizi East, assured attendees that preparations for the development of tourism roads in the Kigezi region are well underway, with strong executive support pending funding. He expressed regret over the longstanding issue of poor road conditions, which have hindered gorilla tracking and the production of goods and services, thereby affecting Kanungu’s revenue.
Addressing concerns about the struggling tea sector raised by Hon. Kaberuka, the Minister assured that tea farmers would receive support as resolved in recent cabinet meetings. He also pledged to continue advocating for the welfare of tea farmers in Parliament.
The Minister further clarified that accessing Parish Development Model (PDM) funds should not involve any fees, warning against illegal charges. He emphasized that PDM funds should not only focus on household ownership but also include economically active youth.
In his concluding remarks, the Minister pledged his support by donating 96 iron sheets to roof the block and personally contributed UGX 5 million by purchasing items.
During the event, individuals and organizations who have significantly contributed to the development of Bwindi Vocational Institute were awarded certificates of appreciation. The recipients included Gillian Castle Omushana (Sunshine for Children), Redemption Song Foundation (RSF), Magezi Richard, Muhwezi Paul, Community Initiatives for Biodiversity Conservation (CIBIC), Environmental and Health Concern Organization (EHCO), Mutono Joseph, Tibesigwa Gongo, Reformed Poachers and Batwa Farmers Co-Operative Society Limited, Mahogany Springs Luxury Resort, Shaban Adam, Tinfayo Lauben, Future Generations Trust, Mugyenyi Medard, Kimbla – Mantana Uganda (Engagi Lodge), Mukono Primary School, Karungi Elizabeth, Ruteshengyereza Emmanuel Gongo, Asiimwe Moses Twaha, Byamukama Francis, Kyokusiima Siina, Tayebwa Nicholas (Apolloclassic Bookshop), Magezi Moses, and Buhoma Community Rest Camp.
**Funds and Pledges Collected:**
– Cash: UGX 10,981,000
– Pledges: UGX 2,250,000
– Items: 44 bags of cement, 2 trips of sand, 20 timbers
**Contributions:**
– Hon. Kaberuka: UGX 1,000,000
– Hon. Patience Nkunda: UGX 300,000
– Safari Christopher: UGX 500,000
– Byamukama Francis: UGX 350,000
– Nkasiime Honest: 5 bags of cement (pledge)
– Easter Majambere: UGX 500,000 (pledge)
– Speaker Frank Byaruhanga: UGX 5bags of cement Pledge,
– Ambrose Mwesigye RDC Kanungu 500,000= Pledge
– Minister Dr. Chris Baryomunsi 96 Iron sheets Pledge to fully construct the whole block.
*By: T. Mwajuma Twaha Adams, District Communications Officer, Kanungu District Local Government*