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Youth cautioned against being used to fight oil and gas project

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Youth cautioned against being used to fight oil and gas project
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The Kakumiro Resident District Commissioner, Major David Matovu, has urged youth not to allow themselves to be used to undermine the oil and gas sector.

He noted that some non-governmental organisations and individuals are deliberately spreading false propaganda aimed at derailing the project, which is intended to boost Uganda’s economy.

Matovu made these remarks while officiating the graduation of 756 youth in Katikara Sub-county, Kakumiro District, who have undergone hands-on skills training, particularly as part of the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) project.

The EACOP has facilitated the skilling of youth from project-affected households as part of its resettlement action plan. These vocational skills aim to enhance the earning capacity and resilience of affected households following displacement, enabling beneficiaries to engage in self-employment or find paid jobs.

A total of 756 youth, including 249 females, from project-affected households in Hoima, Kakumiro, Kikuube, Kyankwanzi, and Mubende districts, were trained at institutions such as St. Peter’s Vocational Institute in Hoima, St. Peter’s Vocational Training Institute in Mubende, Buhimba Technical Institute in Kikuube, and Millennium Business School in Hoima City.

Of these, 700 youth trained in hands-on skills, including motor vehicle mechanics, hairdressing, and tailoring, graduated in Katikara Sub-county, Kakumiro District.

The graduates have been equipped with skills in tailoring and garment construction, welding, building and construction, carpentry and joinery, motor vehicle and motorcycle mechanics, hairdressing, catering, and electrical installations.

They also received start-up kits to support their ventures.

While officiating the ceremony, Major Matovu cautioned the youth against being influenced by individuals seeking to sabotage the project.

“We have many NGOs and individuals trying to sabotage our sector by spreading false propaganda. My appeal to you is, don’t allow yourselves to be used by propagandists. Just look at the development oil is not yet out, but our areas are already transforming. Imagine what will happen when oil exploration begins. Don’t give up; stay alive to witness the development,” Matovu said.

He also directed district leaders, including Chief Administrative Officers (CAOs) and Community Development Officers (CDOs), to prioritize the skilled youth for job opportunities under government programs like Emyooga and the Parish Development Model (PDM).

“I direct district heads to prioritise these skilled youth so that they can benefit from our programs because we want them to transform their lives and become advocates for the sector’s development,” he said.

Major Matovu further advised the youth to diversify their career pursuits.

“If you want to prosper, don’t limit yourself to one sector like tailoring, fashion, or hairdressing. Venture into multiple sectors such as farming and grazing so that one sector complements the other, improving your livelihoods,” he advised.

Baguma Ireen, the East African Crude Oil Pipeline Director of Human Resources and Corporate Affairs, emphasised that the initiative reflects the company’s commitment to empowering affected households through a livelihood restoration program.

“The objective of the livelihood restoration program is to provide project-affected persons, whose livelihoods or incomes are adversely affected, an opportunity to improve or at least restore their income-earning capacity, production levels, and standards of living,” Baguma explained.

Reverend Father Robert Ssenyonga, who also spoke at the event, encouraged the youth to avoid drugs and bad peer groups.

“You have acquired skills; ensure you use them wisely. Importantly, stay away from drugs and bad peer groups. Be focused—that is the only way to succeed in life,” Fr. Ssenyonga advised.

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