Published on 11/08/2024
On Saturday, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni inaugurated a new three-storey workshop building at Excel Vocational Training Centre in Bombo-Kalule, Nnyimbwa Subcounty, Luwero District, as the school marked 18 years of youth skill development.
The multimillion KAGUTA BLOCK, named in honour of the President, was unveiled before he had a brief interaction with the institute’s founder and Director, Hajji Shafik Mwanje, and the top management.
Director Mwanje informed the President about a fire that gutted the institute’s buildings last year and Mr Museveni pledged to rebuild the damaged structures as well equipping the school with more machinery and tools for its workshop training.
The President thereafter planted a tree at the school and proceeded together with Hajj Mwanje to Kalule Grounds where he addressed thousands of Bazzukulu from Luwero and NRM leaders from the central Buganda region.
The Political Head at the Office of NRM National Chairman (ONC) -Kyambogo, Hajjat Hadijah Namyalo cried out to the President on the increasing land woes in Luwero and other parts of the country which have left several Bazzukulu homeless and others dead.
The ONC manager also paraded before the President a group of ghetto youths allegedly mobilized by NUP’s Bobi Wine who earlier this year burned down a court and attempted to raid a police station but were stopped by RDC Bwabye Richard.
These apologized and asked the President to listen to their pleas in the Ghetto Hoods of Luwero.
The Chief Muzzukulu also scoffed at a pressure group claiming to take over the next Presidency on the basis that the President is held at ransom, which he said is untrue a
“They (the group) are misleading and continue to mislead Ugandans that you’re held at ransom, and that they want a new President. But as the Bazzukulu of this country, we are not allowing that to happen come what may,” Namyalo vowed, adding; “…they want to force you into a forceful transition, of which you won’t allow.”
“You started from here, even the spirits are watching, do not dare leave the seat, otherwise the spirits will revenge on you, otherwise, thank you for loving Mr President, Museveni TovaKuMain,” The ONC boss echoed, attracting wild applause and ululations from the masses.
In his address at Kalule Grounds, President Museveni commended Hajji Mwanje for his significant contributions to the Luwero and Bukomansimbi districts. He stated how he was pleased with the skill exhibition at Excel Vocation Training Centre such as auto mechanics, building, and metalworks among others.
“Hajj Shafik Mwanje is a challenge to all of you because he is blind but he has done so much. I visited him in Bukomansimbi and saw what he was doing there,” said the President, adding; “the question is if somebody who doesn’t see can do all of this, what about you who has all the ability with you?”
Mr Museveni emphasized that the issue of land wrangles and evictions is a serious one that the NRM government is aware of and is committed to fighting till the end of it. He, however, blamed the Bazzukulu for voting wrong leaders in power who are unable to solve the problem, particularly in Luwero District.
The President further clarified that “Some of these problems were created by the British who overthrew former kings of Uganda and divided the land among their favourite servants and said the resettlers were to pay Busuulu.”
“I made it clear that no one will be evicted from their land, regardless of title. Land issues stem from historical mistakes; colonialists erred by not recognising the original inhabitants,” Mr Museveni said before urging the electorate to hold their leaders accountable.
”I placed emphasis on the responsibility of the electorate to hold their leaders accountable through regular appraisals. The government is committed to working with the wanainchi on the issue of corruption. However, the more sustainable strategy is to ensure improved and sustainable household income”.
However, the President said a more sustainable strategy is to ensure improved and sustainable household income, for which he emphasized the importance of the 4-acre model, describing it as the only viable way for Ugandans to escape poverty.
“Currently, I am pleased with how Ugandans in some parts of the country are embracing my message on wealth creation. For example, the people in Masaka are serious about coffee, cattle farmers are reaping significant profits from milk and its products, while the people of Kalangala are actively engaged in palm oil cultivation,” Museveni observed.
Director Mwanje earlier emphasized that every Ugandan now has the opportunity to become prosperous, thanks to the peace and stability created by the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM). He condemned the discrimination against persons with disabilities, stressing that they are equally capable of contributing to the country’s growth if given the chance.
“At Excel Vocational Training Centre, we decided to empower your bazzukulu with skills. If a person with a disability like me can work and contribute to society as I have, how can someone with full abilities fail to tap into wealth? Through these skills, our children can achieve their future goals,” Mwanje said.
The 18th-anniversary celebrations of Excel Vocation School climaxed with the launch of the NRA School album and entertainment from musician Gravity Omutujju followed.
About Excel Vocational Training Centre
These include Industrial Art and Design, Hotel and Institutional Catering, Hairdressing and Beauty, Motor Vehicle Mechanics, Bricklaying and Concrete Practice, Electronics Repair, Electrical Installation, Welding and Metal Fabrication, Plumbing, Journalism, and Early Childhood Development.
