By Victor Turinawe
The 28th Guild Government of Uganda Christian University is hosting an entrepreneurship and vocational skills training programme aimed at adding value to the academic courses pursued by students.
The training programme is offered free of charge and is aimed at equipping students with practical skills that can help them generate income alongside their academic studies.
The programme covers craft making, salon and hairdressing, digital content creation, baking, and urban agriculture. It is under the supervision of the Minister for Education, who also doubles as the Member of Parliament for the School of Social Sciences, Elizabeth Lubega, and Dorah Amanda, the Internal Affairs Minister.
Speaking during the training sessions, Derrick Tumukunde from the LEAD Community, a trainer in the programme, said the initiative brings together different organisations to equip students with skills that emphasise creativity, innovation, and the effective use of locally available resources. He added that the programme encourages young people to appreciate vocational skills that can be practised during weekends or evenings alongside their academic programmes.
Tumukunde explained that the programme focuses on bamboo crafts, interior and exterior design, urban gardening, urban agriculture, painting, and canvas art creation. According to him, the training is intended to help students turn simple ideas and available materials into marketable products and sustainable income-generating ventures.
“We are teaching students how to use their hands and the resources around them to create products that they can earn from,” Tumukunde said.
Elizabeth Lubega, the Minister of Education in the Guild Government, said the programme was introduced to provide students with additional hands-on skills beyond what they study in class. She added that the training is open to the entire university community without discrimination.
“We want students of Uganda Christian University to attain extra skills away from what they learn in lectures and in their courses. These skills are meant to enhance what they already have and help them earn an income,” Lubega explained.
Shorah Kahimakazi, a student at UCU participating in cake baking, described the programme as an important aspect of her academic journey.
“At least now I can also bake cakes. I joined the training knowing only the ingredients used to make cakes, but now I can also bake one,” said Kahimakazi.
As part of the programme, participants will also undertake an educational tour to the Uganda Industrial Research Institute (UIRI), where they will gain exposure to more advanced vocational and industrial skills.
“We want them to have a visual learning experience and deeper insight into the vocational skills industry,” explained Minister Lubega.
At the end of the training, all participants will receive certificates of participation, which could help them access future employment and entrepreneurial opportunities.
The programme started last week on 16 May 2026 and will end on 6 June 2026. It is conducted only on Saturdays from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
