President Museveni on Thursday left supporters amused when he purchased a pair of handmade shoes for Shs500,000 from a beneficiary of the Presidential Skilling Hub during his campaign visit to Pader District.
The President said the initiative to establish zonal skilling hubs across the country aims to equip young people who dropped out of school with practical skills for self-employment.
Museveni invited one of the graduates, Jonathan Okol, trained at the Gulu Presidential Skilling Hub, to showcase his work. Okol, who dropped out after Primary Seven, told the President that after six months of training, he had mastered the art of shoemaking.
“Mr. President, I am asking that you buy a pair from me,” Okol said as he displayed his work. When asked the price, Okol quoted Shs500,000 — a figure Museveni agreed to without hesitation.
“He has cheated me, but I don’t mind. My staff should pay him Shs500,000,” the President said, drawing laughter and applause from the crowd.
Museveni commended the progress made by the skilling hubs, noting that the initiative has empowered youth to produce quality goods that were once imported.
“We have been importing such items from China, Dubai, and Italy, yet our own children can now make them after just six months of training,” Museveni said.
The President also reiterated his stance on free education, criticizing government-aided schools that continue to charge fees.
“Those who bring fees in government schools are murdering these children’s future,” he said. “I started free education in 1996, but schools started demanding money for lunch. I urge you to support my idea of truly free education in the coming government.”
