Published on 21/11/2025
The Manager of the Office of the National Chairman (ONC), Hajjat Hadijah Namyalo, has represented the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Mrs. Janet Kataaha Museveni, at the graduation ceremony of 61 youths at the Muslim Ambassadors Uganda (MAU) Skilling Centre in Masinga Village, Kikyusa Sub-county, Luwero District.
Delivering the First Lady’s message, Namyalo emphasized government’s commitment to expanding skilling initiatives nationwide as a strategic response to unemployment and economic vulnerability among young people. In her speech, Mrs. Museveni commended the institution for equipping learners with employable skills, saying “Government continues to support skilling centres because they have proven their impact. These hands-on skills are empowering our young people to create jobs, become self-reliant, and contribute meaningfully to Uganda’s development.” She added that skilling is a core pillar of national transformation: “Our bazzukulu must go out and put their knowledge into practice. Do not wait to be employed—be job creators.”
The 61 graduates completed one-year training programmes in various disciplines including tailoring and fashion design, hairdressing, plumbing, mechanical engineering, detergent and soap making, catering, renewable energy, and modern agriculture. The Kikyusa branch, launched in April this year, is among eight MAU skilling centres operating across the country under the leadership of Principal Kasim Male.
The event attracted hundreds of residents and local leaders who celebrated the graduates’ achievements but also expressed appreciation for the First Lady’s support. Upcoming artists from the area performed songs praising her contribution to youth empowerment, with singer Namyalo Birungo telling the crowd that “Mama Janet has always supported the youth of Luwero, and we use our talent to spread the message of peace, patriotism, and Musevenomics.”
Local leaders, including Kikyusa Sub-county NRM Chairperson Nuru Kijambu, hailed Hajjat Namyalo for energizing government outreach. She noted that since Namyalo assumed leadership of the ONC, the office has become “closer to the bazzukulu” through direct engagement and empowerment drives. Luwero NRM Vice Chairperson Christine Nakabugo also commended Namyalo for mobilizing support for President Museveni and urged residents to rally behind him and the NRM flag bearers in the upcoming elections.
While addressing the community, Namyalo appreciated the First Lady for entrusting her with the role, describing her as “a mother of the nation with a genuine heart for the bazzukulu.” She also criticized local opposition politicians whom she accused of frustrating government efforts and failing to advocate for essential services such as water, electricity, and improved roads. “If leaders do not present the needs of the people to government, how will services reach them?” she asked, urging residents to elect leaders willing to work collaboratively with government.
Namyalo also announced that the Ministry of Education had extended a UGX 10 million contribution to the Skilling Centre, clarifying that the funds were part of ongoing support to educational institutions and not a political incentive. She added that after the elections, her office would lobby for empowerment tools for the graduates to help them start income-generating projects.
During the ceremony, a group under the Alliance of Independent Presidential Aspirants informed Namyalo that although they were denied nomination by the Electoral Commission, they had resolved to support President Museveni’s 2026 bid but requested opportunities to contribute to national development.
In his address, MAU Principal Kasim Male revealed that the organisation’s patron is Second Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Lukia Nakadama and that its membership has grown to over 240,000 youth nationwide. He appealed for urgent government intervention to address persistent water and electricity challenges in Masinga, noting that these constraints are hindering the institution’s growth plans, including a new training complex whose foundation stone Namyalo laid before the ceremony began.
Kasim also submitted a detailed report for the First Lady’s consideration, describing it as “a gift from the people of Luwero, where the NRM liberation struggle began.”
The graduation, filled with jubilation, showcased the determination of young people eager to contribute to national development and ambition the First Lady emphasized as central to Uganda’s future. “With the right skills, commitment, and patriotism, our young people will drive this country forward,” she said in her message, urging the graduates to uphold discipline, innovation, and hard work as they embark on the next chapter of their lives.
