Mega Fm: Leaders in the Madi sub-region have appealed to the State House to establish Information and Communication Technology (ICT) laboratories and introduce computer-related courses at the Madi Zonal Presidential Industrial Skilling Hub, arguing that digital skills are now essential for young people seeking employment and entrepreneurship opportunities.
The appeal was made during a stakeholders’ engagement meeting held at the Madi Zonal Presidential Industrial Skilling Hub in Adjumani District on Friday, July 31, 2026.
The hub serves youth from the districts of Moyo, Adjumani and Obongi.
Mr. Geoffrey Filbert Ocaliap, the Resident District Commissioner for Moyo and Chairperson of the Madi Zonal Presidential Industrial Skilling Hub Board, said vocational trainees should graduate with both practical trade skills and digital competencies to remain competitive in the modern economy.
“The world is increasingly becoming digital. Our trainees need computer skills alongside their vocational training,” Mr. Ocaliap said, noting that an ICT laboratory would enable learners to conduct research on emerging technologies while also paving the way for computer studies to be introduced as a new course at the hub.
He described the Presidential Industrial Skilling Hubs as transformative institutions that equip young people with practical skills while awarding qualifications comparable to the Uganda Certificate of Education (Senior Four) level.
Mr. Ocaliap urged leaders across the region to intensify mobilisation so that more vulnerable youth can benefit from the free government programme.
He noted that the growing recognition of the hubs was reflected in the recent recruitment of several graduates into the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) as skilled professionals.
On post-training support, Mr. Ocaliap revealed that the Madi Hub SACCO had received Shs150 million, with Moyo, Adjumani and Obongi districts each allocated Shs50 million to finance graduates starting their own businesses.
The Presidential Industrial Skilling Hub programme, implemented under the Office of the State House Comptroller, provides free vocational training, accommodation, meals and start-up capital to vulnerable youth, enabling them to establish businesses, create jobs and contribute to Uganda’s socio-economic transformation.