RUBIRIZI — The Member of Parliament for Bunyaruguru Constituency, Hon. Cadet Benjamin Butuuro, has pledged to establish a Science and Technology Hub in Rubirizi District aimed at equipping youth with practical skills and knowledge in computer literacy, digital marketing, innovation and entrepreneurship so that they can become job creators rather than job seekers.
Hon. Cadet made the pledge while addressing the youth, local leaders and students during the Youth SACCO launch recently held at Rubirizi District headquarters.
He noted that science and technology is now helping the youth to become more innovative, start online businesses, access global opportunities, improve farming through modern methods and solve community problems using digital solutions.
Hon. Cadet said he intends to put more effort in supporting Rubirizi youth to acquire permanent and marketable computer skills that will help them to be self-reliant, create their own jobs, and compete favourably in the digital economy.
He said the hub will provide hands-on training in computer literacy, internet and digital skills, coding, software development, graphic design, digital marketing, and innovation, to ensure the youth of Bunyaruguru are not left behind as the world advances in technology.
“The world is changing very fast because of science and technology and therefore the youth must embrace change and shift their mindset to take advantage of computer knowledge which will give them skills that will last forever,” Hon. Cadet said.
He pledged that his office will fully equip the hub, bring in expert trainers, and ensure it is accessible to all youth across Bunyaruguru, adding that the initiative is aimed at transforming the mindset of the youth, promoting creativity and innovation, and preparing them for global job opportunities.
Hon. Cadet urged the youth to remain focused, hardworking and disciplined and to study courses that can give them jobs, not just studying for the sake of it. He highlighted that courses in schools have changed a lot and this is the right time for the youth to start studying computer, technology, nursing and agriculture courses which have a ready market.
He also asked the youth to use the Youth SACCO as a tool to save, get affordable capital and start income-generating projects.
*WOMAN MP WARNS YOUTH AGAINST DRUGS AND SOCIAL MEDIA MISUSE*
Meanwhile, Rubirizi District Woman MP, Hon. Arinaitwe Jeniva Nalongo, called upon the youth in Rubirizi District to stop engaging in drugs, warning against misuse of social media, use of abusive language, alcoholism and immoral behaviours that can destroy their lives.
She noted that drug abuse can reduce productivity, lower household incomes among the youth, make many unproductive, and put their lives at great risk. She added that many youth have ended up in prison after committing crimes under the influence of drugs.
Hon. Jeniva expressed concern over the increasing habit among some youth of misusing social media to abuse and insult their local leaders, saying it is very bad and unacceptable.
She urged the youth to use their phones for productive purposes such as business, marketing, learning new skills, and networking, rather than spending time abusing leaders, noting that such cases can become criminal cases of defamation which can lead them to prison.
She further urged the youth to embrace a saving culture to help them build capital, start businesses and become self-reliant, instead of living a wasteful lifestyle, emphasizing that through saving in SACCOs and village groups, the youth can accumulate wealth, invest wisely and secure their future.
She pledged to continue supporting youth development projects under government programs to help them come out of poverty.
END.
