Buliisa youth call for oil, gas skills to tap into regional opportunities

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Youth leaders in Buliisa district have urged the Government to introduce oil and gas-related skills training at the Presidential Skilling Hub in Masindi district.

The leaders believe that such training will help young people to benefit directly from the multibillion-dollar oil and gas developments in the Bunyoro region.

The call was made during a meeting with the youth and children affairs state minister Balaam Barugahara, who visited Buliisa on September 17, 2025.

The youth said that while the hub in Masindi has been beneficial, specialised training in oil and gas operations, entrepreneurship and supportive industries was urgently needed for the local population.

Bright Mujuni, a district youth councillor aspirant, thanked President Yoweri Museveni for initiating the skilling hubs, which he said had already changed lives by equipping youth with employable skills.

Balam Barugahara the Youth and Children Affairs Minister interacting with locals at Biiso town council in Buliisa district during his work visit to the district. This was on September 16, 2025. (Photo by Lawrence Mulondo)

However, he insisted that Buliisa and entire Bunyoro need training tailored to the oil sector to reduce unemployment and ensure locals are not left out of the lucrative industry.

“We pray that a skilling hub is introduced in our district or that existing vocational institutions are upgraded with specialised programmes in the oil and gas sector,” Mujuni said. 

“We have young people who are capable of working as subcontractors in the oil sector, but they are often overlooked even when they express interest.”

Mujuni further urged the Government to create more opportunities for internships and employment for the youth, noting that without access to practical experience, many would remain excluded from the sector despite training.

Push for an increased share

The youth leaders also called for the Government to increase their allocation under the Parish Development Model (PDM) from 30% to 50%.

They argued that since youth constitute 78 per cent of Uganda’s population, raising their share would ensure greater impact.

“For such a large youth population, 30% is too little. At least 50% would enable more young people to benefit and contribute meaningfully to society,” Mujuni appealed.

He also raised concerns about limited markets for youth products, urging the Government to intensify efforts to connect young entrepreneurs to African and global markets.

He cited a fish farming project run by Buliisa youth, which currently produces 10,000 fingerlings naturally. With government support for artificial breeding, he said, they could produce millions and significantly increase profits.

Buliisa Woman MP Norah Bigirwa added her voice to the call, urging the Government to fast-track the construction of the vocational institute in Kiramu as a measure to tackle youth unemployment.

“It is very important that the young people in Buliisa be skilled and equipped with all that is necessary for them to be employed,” she said.

While acknowledging the progress Uganda has made through several development programmes, Bigirwa stressed that investing in skills tailored for the youth of Buliisa remained a priority. She also recommended that the gender ministry establish small-scale industries in districts across the country to address unemployment more effectively.

Minister’s response

In his address, Barugahara said his visit was part of a presidential directive to assess the impact of government programs and hear directly from young people.

He revealed that Buliisa had so far received shillings 593 million under the Youth Livelihood Program (YLP) and 11 billion through the PDM.

“The money may not be too much, but it is enough to create an impact if well utilised,” Barugahara said.

He warned beneficiaries against defaulting, reminding them that the funds are revolving and must be repaid to allow others to benefit.

“The money was not given to you to eat. It must be paid back so others can also develop,” he stressed. He added that those who repay would receive additional funding to expand their projects.

Barugahara also encouraged the people of Buliisa to embrace peace, unity, and pan-Africanism, saying these values were crucial for equitable resource distribution and sustainable development. 

Gains in education, roads and health

The youth thanked the Government for Universal Primary and Secondary Education, improved health services, and better infrastructure in Buliisa.

They cited the upgrade of Biiso Health Centre IV and the construction of the Hoima-Buliisa road, which reduced travel time from four hours to just one, boosting trade in the district.

Buliisa Resident District Commissioner Longino Bahebwa Byagagaire explained that the district sends 24 youth every six months to the Masindi hub for training, with 96 already graduated.

Plans are underway to mobilise graduates into SACCOs to enable them to access start-up capital.

However, he challenged youth to take advantage of available opportunities, noting that recent police and army recruitment drives had been undersubscribed, leaving slots for outsiders.

Youth wake-up call

Later, Minister Barugahara held a public rally at Biiso town council playground under the theme: Youth Wake-Up Call.

He urged the young people to take advantage of the peace and stability ushered in by the National Resistance Movement to work hard and improve their livelihoods.

The rally was attended by Buliisa County Member of Parliament (MP) Allan Atugonza, Woman MP Norah Bigirwa, LC5 chairperson Fred Lukumu, and several other leaders who pledged to continue advocating for youth empowerment in the region.