Kampala.
By Denis Omiji.
The Directorate of Industrial Training (DIT) has underscored the need for many people to join technical and vocational training programs in order to exploit the increasing opportunities especially exporting labor to other Countries that is vital for development.
Speaking during a meeting with the leadership of Uganda Muslim Supreme Council Wednesday the Head of the Directorate of Industrial Training under the Ministry of Education and Sports Patrick Byakatonda said with the authentication of the institution graduates can exploit regional, international markets or even compete for elective and political offices.
Byakatonda had paid a courtesy call to the office of the UMSC Hon Secretary General Ramathan Mugalu to express interest of DIT in partnering with Uganda Muslim Supreme Council-UMSC to promote hands of life skills training.
He said all these are equivalent to formal levels of Education. Adding that, “it is the wish of DIT to partner with UMSC so that the general Public gets sensitized to know that many opportunities are there with the institution.
In the meeting, Byakatonda noted that many people out there are talented while others have acquired skills training in informal ways such as metal crafters, athletes, performing Artists such as comedians, Juice Processors and Herbalists among others.
Byakatonda however, noted all these are still categorized as illiterates. “So, Directorate of Industrial Training- DIT comes in as promoter of quality assurance Agency to access, later certify their workmanship with awards ranging different from Certificates up to the Diploma level
DIT is a Business, Technical, Education & Training Authority established by the Act of Parliament under the Ministry of Education & Sports. It was decreed into existence by the late President Idi Amin in the early 1970s purposely to help Ugandans especially young people who missed the opportunity of acquiring formal education and yet they can be trained and equipped on hands-on life skills to earn a decent living
UMSC Secretary General Haj Ramathan Mugalu informed his guests that many Muslims are in the informal sector and are town dwellers. “So, for decades Muslims have excelled as mechanics, metal crafters, butchery and businesses like textiles, garments and shoes etc.
Mugalu added that UMSC welcomes this initiative and is ready to work out modalities for Cooperation through its structures and media platforms such as Radio Bilal and Global Television,” he said.
Director Byakatonda was accompanied by Mr. Mugaya Ashiraf Assistant Coordinator Workers’ Practically Acquired Skills and Ms Akullo Jackie DIT Publicity officer,. Dr. Ziyad Swaleh Lubanga UMSC Secretary for Zakah and Isah Shaban, the UMSC Secretary for Finance & Planning among other staff attended the meeting.
