Naigobya Technical institute in Luuka district is to be relocated to pave way for the construction of a government-sponsored sugar factory. This was resolved in a meeting by residents of Naigobya parish, in Bukooma sub-county, in Luuka district on Sunday afternoon.
The technical school seats on 50 acres of land, which residents say is more suitable for such investments compared to sourcing for alternative land, which affect the project. In September, Finance Minister, Matia Kasaijja, alongside other leaders and sugarcane farmers within Busoga sub-region held a joint meeting where they revealed that the government was committed to constructing a Shillings 135 billion sugar plant in Luuka district to take up the surplus cane.
During the meeting presided over by the Luuka North MP, Luke Kyobe, the residents argued that although the community elders donated land to host the technical institute about 20 years ago, the facility has failed to attract students. They argued it is only prudent that a more profitable enterprise takes shape on the seemingly unutilized land.
Yafesi Dhikusoka, a resident says that the technical institute was majorly a community-led project where individuals directly fundraised for its’ construction with the hope of achieving a milestone in skills development. He says despite these efforts, none of their targets has been achieved.
Dhikusoka argues that an alternative enterprise dealing in majorly agricultural related activities will likely capture the attention of the unemployed youths to positively embrace it and collectively foster the development of their area.
Paul Kitamirike, a resident says that since about 80% of households within Luuka district are directly involved in sugarcane related activities, a sugar plant will automatically foster economic transformation in their area.
Kitamirike says that such a plant will reduce the unemployment burden within the area by creating room for the establishment of small-scale start-ups, which will boost household incomes.
Benon Ngobi, the chairperson of Bukooma sub-county says that prior to last year’s lockdown, the institute had a total enrolment of 12 students visa vie its’ minimum capacity of 500 students, which clearly indicates that the facility is underutilized and not beneficial to the targeted community.
On his part, Kyobe urged residents to engage in business-related activities that will aid them to indirectly reap big from the sale of goods and services to the factory employees.
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