Lands, Housing, and Urban Development Minister, Judith Nabakooba has asked graduates not to look down on jobs but rather welcome every opportunity that comes their way in a bid to fight poverty.
The minister made the call while attending graduation parties in Mityana and Mukono Districts on December 15.
At Kisaana village, Namungo Parish, Ssekanyonyi Sub County in Mityana District, Nabvakooba noted that many graduates think jobs are waiting for them but end up disappointed and move on to the streets hunting for jobs.
“The opportunity will find you somewhere. When looking for workers, employees ask for experience. You ought to welcome any job opportunity as you wait for what you studied,” she told graduates.
She equally called upon parents to watch over their children’s movements, especially during this period when they are still at home figuring out what to do, highlighting the danger of idleness among youth.
The minister explained that many young men and women become victims of sexual harassment due to desperation to achieve big dreams on a silver platter.
“Put God first and ensure that you try out each opportunity you see. Be aware that the world is full of evil people having different intentions,” she added.
During the same gathering in Mityana, the minister and former District Woman MP, reminded the electorate that she will be returning to contest on the same seat in the forthcoming 2026 elections.
She encouraged her voters to always distance themselves from political excitement and choose leaders who can lobby for them from the government.
Citing the newly acquired transformer for Kikonge trading centre where locals had spent a week minus power following the mechanical breakdown of their old transformer if it was not for her efforts they would not have received power.
Joyful moments erupted at the trading centre when the minister made a stopover to confirm receipt of the new transformer as workers from UMEME worked tirelessly to connect the area back to power.
“When they reached out to me for that particular challenge that had taken a week, I was concerned and engaged the minister of energy, who in turn directed UMEME to swiftly respond and the transformer was installed,” she said.
Additionally, Ms Nabakooba recounts different occasions she has been receiving several complaints over issues in the area but the current leaders are turning a deaf ear.
“We always receive several complaints but because we are not the ones in parliament, we as well keep our eyes on the leaders sent to represent you but they have not helped you.”
Mr Muhammad Jjuuko, the parent of the graduates, encouraged fellow parents to sacrifice and educate their children. He noted that sending a child to school does not require a lot of money and yet education lays a firm foundation for their children.
“The only gift you can give your child is education. Sacrifice for everything and ensure that our children reach up to this level. Good things await them as they start a new journey of working,” he said.
The graduates were Zaina Nabateregga, Rayan Nabandeke, Baker Jjuuko, and Najib Ssendagire. These were asked to further their studies if they hoped to succeed in life.
“The first step is now done. Let us now eye the next step because education does not stop at Diplomas and degrees you have acquired today,” Ms Beatrice Nabateregga, a relative of the graduates stated.
The quartet was asked to tap into government livelihood programs such as the Parish Development Model and Emyooga and start-up businesses to improve their standards of living.
At the same function, former Mityana South legislator, Henry Kamya Makumbi, rallied residents against politics of excitement and asked them to look out for what elected leaders can bring to the table.
“We were there for you and our contributions are still visible. When time comes, look no further,” he said.
After the graduation in Mityana, the minister proceeded to Sseeta-Bajjo in Mukono District to attend another.
While addressing the graduation party in Mukono, she re-echoed the same message and encouraged parents to be supportive to their children.
“When you go out to the field, respect your bosses however much you may happen to be more educated than them. Remain humble and respectful. Be open to ideas because they are going to be unveiled,” the minister told Claire Namata, who graduated in Procurement and Supplies Management at Kyambogo University.
Discussion about this post