Kitgum | Kitgum Municipality Member of Parliament, Onekalit Denis Amere, who is seeking re-election in 2026, has pledged to construct a shs 650 million Amere Foundation Skilling Centre, a project he says will transform the lives of unemployed youth, single mothers, and school-dropouts.
Addressing residents during a rally in Lamit North Cell, Pager Division, Onekalit said the centre will offer hands-on vocational training to equip young people with practical, market-ready skills.
“We can no longer rely only on academic papers; many of our youth have the potential to succeed, but they lack practical skills and start-up capital. This skilling centre will open a new door of opportunity for them.” he said.
Why the skilling centre matters
According to the MP, Kitgum Municipality faces rising youth unemployment driven by limited job opportunities, high school dropout rates, and the lingering impact of COVID-19 on the local economy.
As a result, many young people have turned to idleness, drug abuse, gambling, and early pregnancies.
The proposed centre will offer training in tailoring, carpentry, welding, hairdressing, metal fabrication, catering, computer literacy, and financial literacy. It will also provide start-up support for trainees who wish to launch small businesses.
“This project is about restoring dignity and hope, thus, a skilled youth is an empowered youth,” Onekalit said.
Oyo Morish Santo, the LC3 Chairperson of Pager Division, welcomed the pledge, calling it timely and much-needed.
“If this centre comes to life, it will reduce crime, promote self-employment and boost household incomes,” he said.
Adding that, “We expect real transformation, not just promises.”
Evelyn Acaa, a resident of Kitgum Municipality, said the centre would complement government programmes such as Emyooga and the Parish Development Model.
“Most young people fail to benefit from government funds because they lack skills. With proper training, they will be more productive and better positioned to access development programmes,” she said.
Lamunu Sharon, a 19-year-old school dropout, expressed optimism and hopes to enroll for tailoring.
“My parents cannot afford to take me back to school. But if I learn tailoring, I can make dresses and earn something to support myself,” she said.
Adding that, “If this centre is built, I know my future can change.”
Otika Brian, a boda boda rider from Pandwong Division, said he hopes to train in welding and metal fabrication.
“We have many boda riders because there are no alternatives. If I learn a skill, I can even employ others in future,” he said.
Oryem Bosco, an elder from Kitgum Central Division, added that empowering young people strengthens entire families.
“When the youth are working, households improve. We want projects that build skills, not handouts,” he said.
As the 2026 elections draw near, residents say they will judge leaders by their ability to deliver meaningful, sustainable development. For many, the shs 650 million skilling centre stands out as a pledge that could shift the municipality’s economic trajectory—if fulfilled.
Residents say they will ultimately back candidates with tangible programmes that address unemployment and poverty—issues at the heart of Kitgum’s future.
Onekalit faces stiff competition from Jimmy K. Olenge (UPC), Beatrice Atim Anywar (NRM), and Okello Rambo (Independent) in what is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched races in the Acholi sub-region.
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