Luweero, Uganda: The First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni, has applauded the Muslim Ambassadors Uganda (MAU) Skilling Centres for transforming the lives of young Ugandans through practical vocational training, describing their work as a cornerstone of the country’s skilling vision.
In her remarks delivered on Friday by the Senior Presidential Advisor and Manager of the Office of the National Chairperson (ONC), Hajjat Hadijah Namyalo Uzeiye, during the inaugural graduation ceremony at the MAU Skilling Centre in Masinga Village, Kikyusa Subcounty, the First Lady commended MAU for equipping learners in key trades including tailoring, carpentry, baking, ICT, welding, plumbing, bricklaying, electrical engineering and catering, skills she said are essential for Uganda’s industrialisation and job creation agenda.
“I wish to commend the leadership of MAU Skilling Centres for their commitment to empowering young people with practical skills in areas such as tailoring, carpentry, mechanics, agriculture, ICT, and renewable energy technologies. These are the very skills that drive productivity, reduce unemployment, and support Uganda’s industrialization efforts,” the First Lady said.
“Through initiatives such as MAU Skilling Centres, we are nurturing a generation of skilled, innovative, and self-reliant young Ugandans,” the First Lady added. “I urge the graduands to put their acquired skills to good use, be creators of opportunities rather than seekers of jobs.”
Maama Janet reaffirmed the NRM government’s commitment to expanding vocational training across the country to ensure that no young person is left behind.
“The Government of Uganda continues to prioritize technical and vocational education as a cornerstone of our development agenda. Through initiatives such as MAU Skilling Centres, we are nurturing a generation of skilled, innovative, and self-reliant young Ugandans, men and women who can transform their communities, create jobs, and contribute meaningfully to our national economy,” she added.
“To our graduands, today is your day of triumph. You have worked hard, persevered, and demonstrated that with determination and discipline, success is within reach. I urge you to put your acquired skills to good use, be creators of opportunities rather than seekers of jobs. Let your excellence and integrity inspire others to follow your example.”
At the inaugural graduation ceremony, a total of 104 youths at the Kikyusa skilling centre were awarded certificates in hands-on trades. These included 25 in Tailoring and Fashion, 33 in Hairdressing, Plumbing and Water Engineering (08), Basic Computer Studies (10), Driving (05), Catering and Baking (08), Electrical engineering and installation (08), Journalism (05) and 02 in Welding and Metal Fabrication.
“As a Ministry, we reaffirm our commitment to strengthening skilling programs across the country to ensure that no youth is left behind in the pursuit of meaningful livelihoods. Congratulations to the Class of 2025! May your skills light the path toward a brighter, more prosperous Uganda,” Maama Janet noted.
“This occasion marks not only a personal milestone for the graduands we are celebrating today but also a national achievement in advancing our country’s vision for skills development and employability,” she added.
In her own remarks to the graduates, Hajjat Namyalo urged the graduates to embrace discipline, hard work and integrity, and remain focused on building productive careers. She praised the First Lady’s leadership in uplifting youth through nationwide skilling programmes and pledged continued ONC support to MAU centres.
Namyalo also delivered the Ministry of Education’s support of UGX 10 million contribution to the MAU Skilling Centre, clarifying that the funds were part of routine institutional support rather than a political gesture.
She added that the ONC would lobby for empowerment tools for the graduates after the elections to facilitate start-up projects.
MAU Skilling Centre Principal Mr Kasim Male thanked the First Lady for her unwavering support, noting that the centres give hope to youth who are unable to join higher institutions of learning. “These centres are a lifeline for thousands of young Ugandans. Many would never have access to such training without this initiative,” he said.
Mr Male also delivered Maama Janet’s “Leadership, National Community Service & Mentorship Development Excellence Award” conferred upon her by the organization (MAU), in recognition of her exemplary leadership, unwavering commitment to community service, and outstanding contributions to the development of the country.
“Your dedication, vision and tireless efforts have positively impacted countless lives and have been instrumental in shaping a brighter future for our country,” the inscription text on the award plaque delivered to Hajjat read in part. “This award is a testament to your exceptional achievements and the profound difference you have made in our country.”
The Centre’s Head of Schools, Asiimwe Violet Kunihira, said the First Lady’s presence, through her representative, added “credibility, validation and renewed energy” to their mission of empowering marginalised youth. “This inaugural graduation is a statement that these young people matter, and that their skills matter,” she said.
About MAU: A Skilling Movement Transforming 116 Districts
Founded in 2017, Muslim Ambassadors Uganda has grown into one of the country’s largest youth-focused development organisations, operating in 116 districts with more than 80,000 members, 60% Muslim youth and 30% from other faiths.
Its skilling centres in Nansana, Bweyogerere, Nakifuma, Kikyusa, Busoga, West Nile, Karamoja and western Uganda provide training in technical skills, agribusiness, financial literacy, entrepreneurship, ICT, performing arts and leadership.
MAU plans to establish a national headquarters in Kikyusa equipped with a research hub, value-addition centre, agribusiness model farm, amphitheatre, sports arena and water factory. One of the key facilities will be the Mama Janet Kataaha Museveni Block, which MAU says the First Lady will commission upon completion.