The Head of Office of the National Chairman (ONC), SPA/PA Hajjat Hadijah Namyalo Uzeiye has commended the Director of Excel Vocational Training Centre in Bombo-Kalule, Mr Mwanje Shafiq for the great work done in spreading the gospel of self-empowerment by imparting vocational skills into the youths.

Namyalo who was speaking as the Chief Guest at the Institution’s 12th Graduation Ceremony on Friday, February 23, 2024, said the ONC, which she heads is very well committed to skilling the graduating youths through various initiatives set aside by President Museveni by giving them wealth creation tools.

“Please utilize the talent and skills you’ve garnered to create a difference in the communities you live in. As Office of the National Chairman, we will continue to give our start-up Capital items to kickstart your journey to prosperity,” Namyalo said amid a wave of excitement and ululations from the parents and graduates.

The ONC Boss further urged the graduates and all youths across the country to make use of the various government programs instituted by Jajja Museveni to alleviate poverty among households.

This, she says, the Bazzukulu can start right from the Parish level by registering for the PDM to see that they benefit from the billions of shillings set aside by the government.

At the Institute’s colourful graduation ceremony, a total of 1120 students were awarded Diplomas and Certificates in various vocational and business disciplines.

In a special report prepared before the guests for the Institute’s performance last two years, the management noted that between the years 2022-2023, Excel Vocational School registered a total of 1150 students for assessment of which 1120 passed successfully, 18 did not sit and only 12 candidates were unsuccessful in their attempt.

This presented a 97% passing rate, which is a positive return considering most of the assessed courses were skill-based and examined at the national level.

The Management however decried the challenge of not having inadequate funds to cater to the ever-increasing number of needy students who have the passion to train and learn but cannot afford the tuition requirements.

In addition to this, he also highlighted the gap of not having enough computers to train learners with digital skills which are a must according to the technical curriculum.

Mr Mwanje, the Director, therefore appealed to the government, donor communities, NGOs, and well-wishers to step in a hand and extend support in whichever form to address these challenges.

He however extended special gratitude to the Office of the National Chairman – NRM Head, Hajjat Hadijah Namyalo, the NRM Government, the Luwero District LG, the teaching staff, students, and parents for the cooperation towards the success the institute has reached this great milestone.

Also at the graduation ceremony was graced by Mr. Nzire Amos Kaguta, the NRM Chairperson for Kiruhura District, Mr. Majid Saffar, Ambassador of Iran to Uganda, a section of Bazzukulu and ONC Regional Coordinators, Designated officials from the local government, among others.

Excel Vocational Training Centre which started in 2006 has to date passed out over 2000 trainees in both business and technical courses which include among others; Industrial Art and Design, Hotel and Institutional Catering, Hairdressing and Beauty, Motor Vehicle Mechanics, Bricklaying and Concrete Practice.

Other courses include; Electronics Repair, Electrical Installation, Welding and Metal Fabrication, Plumbing, Journalism, and Early Childhood Development.