Rwabwogo Advocates Unity, Hard Work, and Value Addition for Sustainable Growth as Over 10,000 Graduate in Ankole Region
By John Kusolo
In a powerful address, Odrek Rwabwogo, Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Exports and Industrial Development (PACEID), called on over 10,000 graduates from the Ankole Region to embrace hard work, persistence, unity, and a focus on value addition as essential components for sustainable economic growth and industrial development. The graduation ceremony took place at the Booma Grounds in Mbarara City on Sunday, May 19, 2024.
Rwabwogo commended the graduates for their accomplishments and urged them to view this milestone as the start of their journey towards contributing to the nation's growth. The graduates were certified in various fields including tailoring, baking, various types of farming, plumbing, mechanics, photography, soap and detergent making, dairy processing, mushroom farming, graphic design, computer applications, carpentry, embroidery, music, leather design, and banana farming. These certifications were facilitated and endorsed by PACEID in partnership with the Directorate of Industrial Training (DIT) after a six-month competence-based industrial assessment.
Emphasizing the importance of this training, Rwabwogo noted that the aim is to create job creators rather than job seekers. He highlighted the need for specialized skills and the right attitude among the youth entering the job market. "The country has many younger people coming into the employment level but some are not employable. Just graduating doesn’t mean that you are employable, they need a special touch on skilling and attitude," Rwabwogo stated. He stressed the significance of value addition to enhance the competitiveness of products and services in both domestic and global markets.
Rwabwogo also underscored the critical role of unity in industrial development. He pointed out that individualism hampers the creation of industries and urged the graduates to work collectively. "We must work in unity because everybody wants to work on their own in our country. There is no success unless you really bring particular products to create industries," he explained. Citing the recent launch of a tin factory in Mbarara, Rwabwogo illustrated how combining resources like tin and copper can lead to the production of valuable items such as brass, which is used in various industries. He emphasized that strong industries attract investment and that collaboration is key to building such industries.
Rwabwogo’s message resonated with the graduates, who were inspired by his vision for a thriving industrial sector in Uganda. His call for unity and value addition as pillars of sustainable growth was met with enthusiasm and commitment from the audience.
Dr. Patrick Byakatonda, Director of DIT, congratulated the graduates and encouraged them to continue their education to maximize Uganda’s industrial potential. He praised Rwabwogo's leadership in unlocking the country's industrial capabilities. PACEID Head of Secretariat, Matthew Bagonza, expressed gratitude to all stakeholders involved in organizing the graduation and highlighted PACEID’s goal of boosting Uganda’s exports and increasing foreign earnings significantly over the next several decades.
Kole District Member of Parliament, Hon. Opio Samuel Acuti, also lauded PACEID for its crucial role in advancing Uganda towards a more industrialized and export-oriented economy. He acknowledged the significant impact of the partnership between PACEID and DIT in empowering skilled individuals in the Ankole region.
The graduation ceremony marked a significant milestone for the graduates and the Ankole region, symbolizing the beginning of a new chapter where skilled, dedicated, and innovative individuals will drive Uganda’s industrial and economic growth.
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