The Ugandan Minister of Energy and Mineral Development Ruth Nankabirwa has called on the youths to take advantage of different training projects and acquire skills needed to get jobs in the country’s Oil and Gas industry.
While speaking at the handover ceremony for completed access road, completed police station and new site for construction of market stalls and community centre at Kakaboga resettlement village, Buseruka sub-county, Hoima district on August 13, Nankabirwa said:
“I especially urge the young people to take advantage of the different vocational training projects at St Simon’s Vocational Institute, Buhimba Technical College and Uganda Petroleum Institute Kigumba. These will equip you with the skills needed during the construction phase of the refinery and pipelines which are now close by, not forgetting that vocational skills are applicable across different sectors of the economy. Over 70% of the jobs that will be created are for technicians and artisans with certified skills.”
She added that the government will ensure that as the Oil and Gas sector progresses, Hoima region and Uganda will develop along with it.
“Our priority as Government is to ensure that as the oil and gas sector progresses, this region, and the entire country develops along with it. That is why it is important to ensure continued investment in public service infrastructure in the areas of Health, Education, Transport, Electricity and Security, among others. These social service infrastructures will ensure that our people are economically healthy to be more productive and contribute more significantly to the growth of our nation. Additionally, law and order is observed in the area for the safety of all persons. Also, social and community related activities can be undertaken in a conducive environment at the Community Centre,” he said.
Inside Uganda’s Property Market: Broll Uganda’s Moses Lutalo on Sector Realities and the Signals Investors Can’t IgnoreShe revealed that Hoima district is set to be an epicenter of development, with great potential to fast lead the industrialization of Uganda and reap the associated benefits. These include growth in employment and business opportunities in provision of goods and services, and opportunities for vocational skills development.
She, however, warned the residents no to shun agriculture saying the oil and gas projects will provide ready markets for the agriculture products. “We must also not run away from Agriculture, because these projects will cause an influx of people in the region, who provide ready market for agricultural products-especially food. Therefore, Agriculture should remain a top priority,” she advised the residents.
The permanent secretary Irene Batebe expressed optimism that the community centre and market stalls will improve the livelihoods of the refinery affected persons and the entire neighbouring community.
“The site handover and ground breaking for the construction of the Community Centre and Market Stalls marks the final achievements of fulfilling the requirements in the implementation of Resettlement Action Plan. This particular development is intended to improve the socioeconomic livelihoods for the refinery project affected persons and the community at large,” she said.
