President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, represented by Hon. Mwebesa Francis, the Minister for Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives, has officially commissioned newly completed infrastructure worth UGX 9.3 billion at the Management Training and Advisory Centre (MTAC) in Ntungamo. These new structures, located in Kahunga, Ntungamo Sub-County, were completed over a period of two years and are intended to further MTAC’s role in skill development and entrepreneurship for Ugandan youth.
In a speech delivered on behalf of the President, Hon. Mwebesa shared Museveni’s message highlighting the government’s commitment to integrating African economies to broaden access to international markets. President Museveni emphasized that a skilled youth population will benefit both local and global markets, particularly as they start producing goods in bulk. He also called for a focus on science-based courses and skilling centers, such as MTAC, to equip young people with the expertise required for economic development and job creation.
“The government is advocating for a stronger integration of African economies to expand negotiation abilities for foreign markets,” the President’s message noted. “As our youth become skilled, they will not only serve the local market but will be positioned to compete internationally.”
Hon. Mwebesa further reiterated that the NRM government has identified and addressed key issues affecting the people of Uganda by prioritizing investment, innovation, and socio-economic growth. This commitment to entrepreneurship and youth skilling, he stated, is crucial in addressing unemployment and poverty. He added that empowering youth with skills will reduce their vulnerability to exploitation by negative influences.
Soteri Karanzi Nabeeta, Executive Director of MTAC Uganda, called on parents and community members to encourage learners to enroll in the institute. Since its founding in 2014 with just one student, MTAC Ntungamo now serves over 100 students; however, Nabeeta urged for further community engagement to increase student numbers to match the new infrastructure.
Tusiime Dennis, the Resident Centre Coordinator (RCC) for MTAC Ntungamo, also called on the government to allocate additional land for expansion to accommodate hostels, a health facility, and improved road access to the campus. He noted that a well-connected road would enhance accessibility for students and staff. Tusiime expressed gratitude for the government’s support, pledging to use the new resources to build skills that foster entrepreneurship and effective management practices within the community.
MTAC, established in 1964 under the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives (MTIC), has a long history of supporting both public and private institutions with training and advisory services, fostering entrepreneurship, and equipping Ugandans with managerial and technical skills.
The major objectives of MTAC include, Providing advisory and training services to government, public, and private institutions, Assisting industries in improving management practices, Preparing Ugandans for supervisory roles in business and industry, Promoting entrepreneurship among Ugandans,Raising the skill levels of workers in various industries. MTAC brunches of Ntungamo, Mbarara, Mbale and Iganga and Kampala
Through these initiatives, MTAC remains dedicated to empowering Ugandans to become job creators and entrepreneurs, thereby driving sustainable economic development in the country.
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