Gravin Okot, the Female Youth Councilor IV of Omoro District, expressed concern that some of the youth trained at the hub in 2023 and 2024 have not put their acquired skills to productive use. She emphasized that forming SACCOs would enable them to share and apply their knowledge, especially in business and entrepreneurship, thereby boosting self-reliance and community development.
Youths from Omoro District who received life skills training at the Oding Presidential Industrial Hub in Unyama, Gulu, have been urged to form Savings and Credit Cooperative Organizations (SACCOs) to help them continue benefiting from government development programs.
Gravin Okot, the Female Youth Councilor IV of Omoro District, expressed concern that some of the youth trained at the hub in 2023 and 2024 have not put their acquired skills to productive use. She emphasized that forming SACCOs would enable them to share and apply their knowledge, especially in business and entrepreneurship, thereby boosting self-reliance and community development.
"When they come together and form SACCOs, it will be very helpful. Those with better business understanding can share their skills, and others can learn and grow together,” said Okot. According to her, only about 50 percent of the youth trained at the Oding Hub since 2023 are currently using their skills for income-generating activities, while the rest have become idle in their communities.
Success Stories from the Hub
Morris Ocakacon, a youth from Bobi Sub-county, Omoro District, trained in welding at the Oding Hub. He shared his success story, saying he saved UGX 500,000 after training and started his own welding workshop. “I’m now self-reliant and even training other youths in welding. They pay a fee, so I’m helping them while also earning,” he said.
Similarly, Vicky Aloyo from Omoro Town Council, who trained in hairdressing in 2024, said she used the skills to open a salon that now provides her with a steady income. “Before, I was dependent. Now, I earn my own money. I encourage my fellow youth to come together, form groups, and support each other,” Aloyo said.
However, not all trainees have been able to put their skills into practice. Brenda Apio from Loyoajonga Parish in Oraapwoya Sub-county, who also trained in hairdressing, said she got married shortly after returning home and is currently unable to continue with her trade due to domestic responsibilities.
Leaders Call for Unity and Action
Douglas Peter Okello Okao, the Omoro District LCV Chairperson, also encouraged the youth to avoid idleness and instead organize themselves into SACCOs. He emphasized that this is key to sustaining the benefits of the government program and to amplifying their voices.
“Forming SACCOs is the only way to continue benefiting from government initiatives. It also gives youth a platform to engage with leaders and attract support,” Okello said.
About Oding Presidential Industrial Hub
The Oding Presidential Industrial Hub in Unyama, Gulu, admits 21 trainees per district annually and serves the Acholi Sub-region, which includes Gulu, Gulu City, Omoro, Pader, Agago, Lamwo, Kitgum, Nwoya, and Amuru districts.
The hub was established under President Yoweri Museveni’s initiative to equip underprivileged youth with employable skills in areas such as welding, metal fabrication, tailoring, carpentry, block laying, and hairdressing. The hub is part of a broader government strategy to promote skilling across all regions of Uganda, intending to tackle youth unemployment and poverty through practical, hands-on training.
