The National Muslim Youth Council will on Thursday launch a youth skilling and employment initiative designed to equip young Muslims with vocational and entrepreneurship skills to improve their employment prospects and promote job creation. The scheme will establish skilling centres across Uganda's 10 Muslim regions, offering practical training in fields intended to respond to market demands and help young people become self-reliant.
Habibu Mustapha announced the plan while appearing on Salam TV's current affairs programme. Mustapha said youth unemployment was a growing concern within Muslim communities, arguing that practical training could help young people earn a living and create employment for others. "Most of our Muslim youths are unemployed. This situation not only affects their livelihoods but also contributes to the rising crime rate in our communities. Through these skilling centres, we want to give our youth hands-on skills that will enable them to create jobs for themselves and employ others," Mustapha said. The council said the initiative would promote self-employment, reduce economic dependency and expand opportunities for young people to participate in economic activities.
The official launch is scheduled for October 29 at Kololo Airstrip in Kampala and will feature an expo showcasing agricultural activities, youth-led businesses and other empowerment services. Planned activities include farming demonstrations, agricultural innovations, a free medical camp and exhibitions by young entrepreneurs. The organisers expect the event to attract Muslim youth, religious leaders, government officials, development partners and members of the business community from across the country's 10 Muslim regions.
Mustapha called on young people, elders and other stakeholders to attend the launch, describing it as a call to action. "We are inviting every Muslim youth, elders, leaders, and all stakeholders to come to Kololo on the 29th and witness the beginning of a new chapter for our youth. Together, we can fight unemployment and build a productive generation," he said. The council said the skilling centres were intended to help transform young people from job seekers into job creators and encourage their participation in national development.
The council also appealed to the government, private sector and well-wishers to support the initiative, particularly efforts to reach vulnerable young people in remote areas. The initiative's impact will depend on the availability of sustainable funding, relevant training programmes and links to employment and business opportunities as the centres are established.