Ebenezer Adurokiya, Reporting
NO fewer than 924 young people have successfully graduated from the Skill Up Kampala programme since its inception, with organisers urging the newly admitted fifth batch of participants to remain committed, maintain regular attendance and use the skills they acquire to transform their lives and communities.
This is just as 700 fresh trainees have been matriculated into the fifth batch of the Skill Up Kampala, for another three-month session of training on June 20, 2026 at the RCCG Victory Centre, Namuwongo, along Kisugu, Kampala, Uganda.
Speaking during the orientation for the fifth batch, the representative of the Mayor of Makindye Division, Moureen Kyomugisha, who also serves as the Women’s Councillor and Minister for Gender, Community Service and Production, encouraged participants not to allow their backgrounds or present circumstances to limit their ambitions.
Sharing her personal journey, Kyomugisha recounted growing up in the Kasanvu slums under difficult conditions marked by poverty, discrimination and rejection, but said determination and access to empowerment opportunities changed the course of her life.
”I am a girl who grew up in the slums of Kasanvu. I come from a very poor background where life was very difficult, and at times I was looked at as if I had no future.
”I faced discrimination, rejection and many challenges that made life feel impossible. But even in the midst of all that, I refused to lose hope. I stayed focused and believed that my story could be different,” Kyomugisha recalled.
She explained that various organisations equipped her with skills, knowledge and confidence, enabling her to rise through public service.
“Today, I stand here not as the person society once doubted, but as someone who serves my community. I started as a councillor, and through the grace of God, and the recognition of potential by leaders including the Mayor, I was given greater responsibility,” she added. acc
According to her, the Mayor appreciates the work being done by Skill Up Kampala in equipping young people with practical and vocational skills that can improve employment opportunities, encourage entrepreneurship and enhance livelihoods.
She urged the new participants to embrace not only technical training but also mentorship and counselling opportunities available through the programme.
“Do not allow your current situation to define your future. Even if life is difficult today, remember that every opportunity you take seriously can be the beginning of a new chapter in your life.”
Organisers disclosed that since the programme began, 924 participants have graduated across four batches.
The first batch recorded 400 registrations, with 223 graduates; the second attracted 540 participants, producing 225 graduates; the third registered 680 learners, with another 225 completing the programme, while the fourth enrolled 720 participants and graduated 247.
They added that the fifth batch has already attracted about 800 registrations and expressed optimism that more participants would complete the programme.
President of the Skill Up Kampala Alumni Association, Patrick Egesa stressed that graduation would largely depend on class attendance.
“Students should attend at least 80 per cent of the classes. If you’ve not attended 80 per cent, you might not graduate.”
He encouraged participants to build friendships with colleagues from different countries enrolled in the international training programme, noting that valuable opportunities often emerge through networking.
“Please, let’s make friends here. You never know, you may come here to study and get a better connection. Success comes from anywhere.”
Egeza also promised a vibrant learning experience for the new intake, recalling that the previous batch participated in community outreach activities, sports competitions and other engagements beyond the classroom.
During the event, a Journalist and programme alumnus John King testified that the digital marketing course helped him expand the reach of his publications beyond Uganda.
“The course helped me market my books better. My books are online and I have had clients from Canada, Australia and other places in the world.”
He added that after enrolling for an Artificial Intelligence course in a later batch, he successfully used AI tools to programme and translate the audio version of his book.
Another graduate, Christi, said the programme opened new opportunities after she completed digital marketing training.
Delivering a sermon during the event, Pastor Bamidele Oseni urged participants to focus on creating value rather than merely acquiring certificates.
“It’s not just about learning digital marketing, cybersecurity or other skills; it’s about what value you will be adding to the world.”
He explained that the knowledge acquired during the three-month programme serves as a foundation and would only become valuable when participants apply it to solve real-world problems.
“It’s what you do with it that will announce you to the world.”
Also addressing the participants, General Manager – Finance & Admin,
Technology Associates Limited, a leading ICT company with footprints in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Malawi, DR Congo, Ethiopia and the UAE, Mr Wycliffe Mondi, described skills as the “new currency” in an increasingly technology-driven world.
“Companies today hire people based on what they can do. Certificates can open doors for you, but what will keep you inside are your skills.”
Omondi, who’s a also a minister in RCCG and a finance expert, observed that technological disruption, particularly Artificial Intelligence, has transformed the labour market and increased demand for practical competencies.
“Problem solvers are never poor for so long. Skills give you the power to create your own income and compete globally.”
The Kenyan-born financial expert encouraged the trainees to remain resilient, continue learning and consistently apply the knowledge gained through the programme to better their immediate environment.
“Knowledge is useless if it is not put into practise,” he said.
Stonix News reports that the three-month training will cover skill acquisition in computer applications, Web design, Digital Marketing, Graphics Design, Artificial intelligence, Cyber Security, Fashion and Design, Shoe and Bag making and Hairdressing, among others.
Dignitaries at the event included Pastor Bamidele Oseni, Dcn Wycliff Omondi, Samuel Mackdallys, Pastor Dorothy Nakato and some of the facilitators who took a tour round the facility where the freshers will undergo the training.
Skill Up Kampala, a major community-based youth skilling initiative sponsored by Africa Missions Global, provides free, hands-on vocational and digital training at the RCCG Victory Centre in Namuwongo (100 meters along Kisugu Road after the IHK/C-Care Junction).
