Youth in Uganda Find Hope and skills at Chinese-run Mbale Industrial Park

KAMPALA — In the heart of eastern Uganda, the Mbale Industrial Park is transforming the lives of thousands of young people and contributing significantly to Uganda’s economic growth and development. The park, a joint initiative between Uganda and China, is providing skills training and employment opportunities to youth from all over the country.

Sandra Nabukwaasi, a young woman from Bulambuli, is one of the many success stories from the park. Despite financial constraints that hindered her formal education, Sandra found a new lease on life at the park’s textile facility. Without requiring academic documents, she joined the factory and honed her tailoring skills. Today, she is a proud employee, able to sustain herself and even save money to invest in a rice plantation.

“I started working in the automobile department, but when I heard about the textile facility, I saw an opportunity to complete my tailoring course. I applied with just my national ID, and luckily, I was recruited,” Sandra shared her journey. “Working here has not only taught me new skills but also given me the opportunity to meet new people, learn new languages, and operate new machines. I’m proud of what I’ve achieved and excited for my future.”

Aidat Muwuta, a supervisor at MiOne, a phone manufacturing company under Uhome, has acquired valuable skills and financial independence through the initiative. Despite having no prior knowledge of phone technology, Muwuta was able to learn from scratch and now expertly assembles and repairs phones.

“I had no background in phone technology or assembly, but I was trained from the ground up,” Muwuta explained. “It was a challenging journey, but I’m grateful to have overcome the obstacles. I started by learning the basics, from assembling phones to testing the final product for market release.”

Brenda Naguti, an assembly department worker at Chint Electrical and Meters in Mbale Industrial Park, has also experienced a transformative journey since joining the company. Her role involves assembling electrical meters and meter boxes, a process that encompasses various stages, including PCB assembly, coating, soldering, and screwing. Initially, Brenda had only theoretical knowledge from school, but her practical skills have significantly improved through hands-on experience at Chint.

“I’m now confident in my ability to solder and assemble electrical meters,” Brenda said. “I look forward to continuing to improve my skills and becoming an expert in my field.”

Regan Turyakera, Brenda’s supervisor at Chint Meters and Electronics Company, emphasized the importance of hard work and determination. “I encourage those interested in technical fields to work hard, understand the challenges, and strive to improve their careers.”

Mr. Charles Lubowa, the Human Resources Manager at Tian Tang Group, emphasized the company’s commitment to addressing Uganda’s youth unemployment challenge. “We aim to provide employment opportunities to the youth through our skilling program, which offers training in electrical and mechanical departments,” Lubowa explained. “Our supervisors teach the employees to assemble products like TVs, phones, and home appliances, providing them with practical skills.”

The Mbale Industrial Park is a shining example of how youth can acquire practical skills and financial independence, shaping a brighter future for themselves and their communities.