On 15th August, 2025 Hon. Fred Byamukama, State Minister for Works and Transport, officiated the 3rd graduation ceremony of the Uganda Rural Development and Training Institute (URDT-I), held at Kikwaya Primary School playground in Kakumiro District. A total of 1,287 graduates (859 females and 428 males) were confirmed in the fields of Agriculture (231), Construction (352), and Tourism (704).
| Graduates entertaining the congregation at Kikwaya Primary School Play ground | Chief guest awarding best entrepreneurs under the construction sector |
This event marked the grand finale of URDT-I’s third graduation series, which began on 18th February, 2025, at the URDT/ARU campus. The series was launched by the Chairman of the Independent Electoral Commission under the theme: “The Role of the Youth in the Democratic Process.” Throughout the ceremonies, youth were sensitized about their civic rights and responsibilities.
The graduation events spanned 20 districts and 4 refugee settlements, graced by several high-profile government officials, including:
Hon. Kabyanga Godfrey Kime, Minister of State for ICT and National Guidance.
Dr. Kamanda Bataringaya, Former Minister of Labour and Industrial Relations.
Dr. Ruth Nankabirwa, Minister of Energy and Mineral Development.
Hon. Judith Nabakooba, Minister of Lands and Urban Development.
Hon. Matia Kasaija, Minister of Finance.
Ms. Kyalikunda Topius, Resident Desk Officer representing the Office of the Prime Minister.
During the ceremony, Hon. Fred Byamukama highlighted the transformative impact of URDT-I’s skilling initiative, which is supported by the Mastercard Foundation. He noted that the graduates include young people who had not completed primary or secondary education, but have now gained practical skills in areas such as fish farming, motorcycle repair, bricklaying, hairdressing, tailoring, beekeeping, and poultry farming.
Min. Fred Byamukama addressing the congregation during the closure of the 3rd graduation ceremonies in Kakumiro district on 15th August,2025.
Today, we are celebrating over 1,200 young people who have been skilled through URDT-I. This initiative has so far empowered over 70,000 youth in just four years. The trainees received everything they needed, including learning materials, free of charge,” Hon. Byamukama stated.
He applauded the role of NGOs like URDT-I and the Mastercard Foundation for easing the burden on government and contributing to a highly skilled workforce. He emphasized that the locally made products by these youth will replace imported goods, reducing dependency and supporting the Buy Uganda, Build Uganda initiative.
“These graduates are now equipped with knowledge and employable skills. They are no longer job seekers but job creators, providing affordable products locally and boosting our economy,” he added.
Ms. Annet Kabasita, Director of Finance and Administration at URDT-I, reflected on the achievements of the first phase of the program:
“We have trained over 1,500 youth in Kakumiro alone. Of these, 80% are employed, and about 60% are in dignified work. Our success is attributed to strong partnerships with Mastercard Foundation and Kakumiro District Local Government.”
She extended gratitude to the partners, parents, and community members who supported the transformation of young people into skilled and dignified citizens.
| Deputy CAO and some technical staff addressing the congregation | Program participants pose for a photo together with the chief guest |
Mr. Nickson Ankunda, District Community Development Officer and Parish Development Model (PDM) focal person, appreciated URDT-I’s contribution and urged graduates to take advantage of existing government programs:
“We have government initiatives like the Youth Livelihood Program, Parish Development Model, UWEP, and GLOW (which offers loans specifically to women). Form groups of five or more to access support. I encourage you to be innovative and self-reliant, not just job seekers, but job creators.”
The Kakumiro graduation ceremony was also attended by dignitaries from Kakumiro district technical and political staff led by the Deputy Chief executive Officer, chairperson LCV and Resident District Commissioner, parents and guardians and program participants. The participation of the highly profiled team is a testament of URDT’s consistent commitment to serving rural communities of Uganda through partnerships and collaboration.
Mr. Nickson Ankunda, District Community Development Officer and Parish Development Model (PDM) focal person, appreciated URDT-I’s contribution and urged graduates to take advantage of existing government programs:
“We have government initiatives like the Youth Livelihood Program, Parish Development Model, UWEP, and GLOW (which offers loans specifically to women). Form groups of five or more to access support. I encourage you to be innovative and self-reliant, not just job seekers, but job creators.”
