KCCA Celebrates Graduation of 253 Youths in Skilling Initiative to Combat Unemployment

By John Kusolo

In a vibrant and inspiring ceremony held at the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) Employment Bureau on Ssezibwa Road, 253 youth graduated from the two Youth Skilling Centres operated by KCCA. The event, held under the theme “Enhancing Innovation and Productivity of Young People through Skilling,” marks a significant milestone in KCCA’s efforts to address youth unemployment and promote socio-economic growth in Kampala.

Presiding over the ceremony, Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago lauded the Youth Skilling Program, initiated by KCCA in 2011, as a transformative solution to the persistent challenge of youth unemployment.

"This program aligns perfectly with KCCA’s mission to move from being a mere regulator to a facilitator of economic growth," Lukwago said. He noted that the initiative is empowering Kampala’s youth to gain practical skills that make them employable and ready to contribute meaningfully to the city’s economic development.

The Lord Mayor highlighted the challenges that the program's facilities have faced, specifically the Employment Bureau on Ssezibwa Road and the Kabalagala One-Stop Youth Centre. Both facilities were once under threat from unscrupulous individuals seeking to grab the properties. Lukwago revealed that he led a relentless fight to protect these centers, ensuring they remain hubs of opportunity for Kampala’s youth.

"I am proud to witness the benefits that these facilities are now delivering to our young people," he remarked, expressing satisfaction with the positive outcomes of the skilling initiative.

The program equips participants with in-demand skills in areas such as Digital Technologies, Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy

, as well as through the I-Serve Youth Volunteer Program. These skilling initiatives aim to prepare the graduates for a seamless transition into the workforce. KCCA, in partnership with development stakeholders, has pledged to continue supporting the graduates in finding employment or starting their own businesses.

The graduates expressed gratitude for the program, citing its potential to transform their lives by providing them with practical, marketable skills. Many shared aspirations of becoming self-reliant entrepreneurs or contributing to the growth of existing businesses in the city.

The Youth Skilling Program forms part of KCCA’s broader strategy to enhance the well-being of Kampala residents by equipping them with tools to actively participate in the city’s socio-economic development. By fostering innovation and productivity, the program not only addresses unemployment but also helps in reducing social inequalities and empowering marginalized groups.

The colorful ceremony was attended by an array of dignitaries, including the Deputy Lord Mayor, members of the City Executive Committee,

KCCA Directors, representatives from development partners, and guardians of the graduates. Their presence underscored the collective commitment to youth empowerment and economic growth.

In his closing remarks, Lord Mayor Lukwago called on stakeholders to expand the reach of the Youth Skilling Program, emphasizing that empowering young people is critical to Kampala’s transformation into a thriving, inclusive, and innovative city.

As these 253 graduates prepare to step into the world of work, their achievements stand as a testament to the power of skills development in combating unemployment. KCCA’s commitment to youth empowerment through initiatives like the Youth Skilling Program continues to pave the way for a brighter future for Kampala’s young generation.

This milestone marks yet another step toward building a resilient, innovative, and productive workforce capable of driving Kampala’s socio-economic development.