WAKISO – The Permanent Secretary (PS) in the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, Mr. Pius Bigirimana has urged manufacturers to prioritise export promotion and import substitution by eyeing the international market for their products.
The Permanent secretary made these remarks on Friday, May 17, while handing over 65 motorcycles to Youth Chairpersons of municipalities and newly created districts.
With Youth Literacy Program (YLP) and Uganda Women Empowerment Program (UWEP) initiative, Youths remain focal persons in these local governments in Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) at Kireka Rehabilitation Centre, in Wakiso District.
Mr. Bigirimana said: “The automotive industry has taken a leaf in the right direction and I suggest to other manufacturers to also borrow a leaf from them.”
The 100 cc motorcycles of the UGBOSS + type manufactured by Simba Automotive Ltd, are the first to be manufactured in Uganda ever.
The motorcycles issued out are meant to facilitate the monitoring and mobilizing of the youths, and also monitoring of their poverty reduction projects.
Mr. Bigirimana disclosed that the YLP that was set to expire this year has been extended for another five years, with a boost of additional funds to ensure effectiveness among youths.
He said: “ YLP was meant to expire this year but it has been extended for the next five years.”
“There have been additional funds allocated to it to ensure its effectiveness.” He added.
He also thanked Simba Automotive for responding to the President’s call of ‘Build Uganda, Buy Uganda’ (BUBU) by manufacturing motorcycles locally.
Mr. Bigirimana said: “ Thank you, Simba Automotive for responding to the president’s call of industries to manufacture products locally instead of importing.”
The YLP Programme Officer Mr.Paul Onapa said that government has endeavoured to take all steps to ensure the effectiveness of YLP in the country.
Mr. Onapa said: “The government of Uganda has made sure that YLP is effective by not only providing usable like motorcycles and computers but also training of the youths and other beneficiaries in the best production practices.”
