By Matthew Okello
TORORO
The chairman of presidential advisory Committee on exports and Industrial Development (PACEID) has announced that the government is currently in the final stages of generating an additional 1000 megawatts of power in Eastern Uganda to boost power capacity in the country.
The proposed 1000 megawatts of solar energy is going to be hosted at Bulambuli district with the intention of boosting power supply in the sub region of Bukedi, Bugisu, Teso, Sebei, Karamoja and parts of Busoga
When fully in operation, supplementary power is going to solve the problem of load shedding and generate enough power for the upcoming small scale industries.
Giving the progress about the project, Chairman Rwabwogo noted that government has solicited for a Middle East company to undertake the project and they are currently at the stage of compensating the project affected persons.
The project is being done in collaboration with the ministry of energy and the groundbreaking is expected in 6 months’ time.
Rwabwogo made this revelation on Friday, 15th August, 2025 at Lion’s Children Park, Tororo Municipality where he was presiding over the graduation ceremony of roughly 2000 skill based learners.
The graduands were assessed by the Uganda Vocational and Technical Accessory Board and under this program, the Board assesses those with skills in the informal sector and award them with formal certificates that can allow them be recognized.
This cuts across all life skills spheres like poultry, cooking, hairdressing, wielding, metal fabrication, farming among others.
The deputy secretary of UVTAB Wilfred Nahamiya said the board played a central role of certifying the skills however he was quick to say that these skills will be useless if the graduates are not provided with start-up kits to translate the skills into jobs.
The Tororo Municipality Member of Parliament, Apollo Yeri Ofwono who was key in bringing this program to Tororo district asked the graduates to apply the skills they have acquired to improve their livelihoods.
He also asked them to position themselves and benefit from the proposed Tororo city once actualized through manufacturing up to date products in areas of agriculture, construction, textile among other areas.
Yeri also added his voice on the need for the start-up kits for the graduates.
The Bishop of Bukedi Anglican Diocese, George Samuel Bogere Egesa thanked President Museveni for supporting such an important program that he says will help to instill discipline among the young girls since they will be financially empowered not to run around with men for provision.
Meanwhile, Rwabwogo said he started the initiative to equip Ugandan producers with skills and position them for export.
To achieve the export objectives, Rwabwogo asked Ugandan producers to come in groups so that they can easily be supported.
