The State Finance Minister, Henry Musasizi, has appealed to the students to embrace market-oriented courses that correspond to the high-demand areas such as agro-processing, manufacturing, and science and technology. While speaking to 250 graduating students during the graduation ceremony at Rubanda Technical Institute, Finance Minister Musasizi appealed to the students to choose areas of study with work-related skills that ensure better chances of employment in today’s competitive market.

While in his address, Minister Musasizi cautioned students against taking social science programs, which he said tend to lead to working for years with no employment. He urged them to focus on programs that impart skills that are employable and that the economy requires. “The government is committed to putting priority on industries that have great employment opportunities, particularly for youth,” he asserted, noting that there is need to provide the students with skills that can be matched by the market.

Minister Musasizi also urged parents to be more actively engaged in directing the education choices of their children. He stressed that informed decisions on issues of education and career would ensure a future without insecurity. Through taking high-demanding courses, students would be at an advantage in gaining good employment opportunities and boosting the economy of the country.

The minister commended Kabale Diocese for efforts towards the development of skills to meet the demands of the job market. Rubanda Technical Institute under the diocese has been conducting technical training that equips the student with practical skills. Minister Musasizi revealed that the institute will upgrade to a government-owned public institute in the not-too-distant future. This move is expected to unlock quality technical education and further enhance the government’s vision to create a skilled citizenry. Apart from his call for market-driven education, Minister Musasizi appealed to graduates to take advantage of government-initiated wealth creation programs.

He specifically mentioned programs like Emyooga and the Parish Development Model, which target empowering individuals and communities by offering them funds and resources for entrepreneurship and development. “I urge graduates to take advantage of government-led wealth creation programs like the Emyooga program and the Parish Development Model,” he said, and request them to utilize their skills to create sustainable livelihoods. The minister’s remarks are made at a period when Uganda, and indeed the majority of countries, is challenged by the youth unemployment rate that is very high. With the focus on technical and vocational training, the government aims to break this barrier and build a workforce that will drive economic growth.

The sectors that have been identified as having high job and innovation prospects are agro-processing, manufacture, and science and technology. Rubanda Technical Institute has been leading the way in this effort, offering courses that equip students with the necessary skills to succeed in these areas. The institute’s transition to a public institution will be anticipated to enhance its capacity to serve more students and provide even more training opportunities. This shift is part of the government’s broader effort to promote technical education as a way of leading to employment and economic development.

Minister Musasizi’s message resonated with the graduating students, many of whom expressed optimism about their future prospects. By choosing courses that align with market demands, they are better positioned to secure jobs or start their own businesses. The minister’s emphasis on practical skills and government support programs also provided a sense of direction for the graduates as they embark on their careers.

The graduation ceremony was a celebration of the students’ hard work and achievement, as well as a reminder of the importance of keeping education in sync with market needs. As Uganda remains committed to technical and vocational education, schools like Rubanda Technical Institute will play a central role in shaping the country’s future workforce.

In conclusion, Minister Musasizi’s call for market-driven education underscores the government’s commitment to addressing youth unemployment and fostering economic growth.

By encouraging students to pursue courses in high-demand sectors and supporting initiatives like Emyooga and the Parish Development Model, the government is taking concrete steps to empower young people and build a brighter future for Uganda.

The transformation of Rubanda Technical Institute into a public institution also speaks for itself, with additional students having the opportunity to access quality technical education and make contributions to the growth of the country.