By Nathan Eyagu 

SERERE - The State Minister for Fisheries and Serere District Woman MP, Hellen Adoa, has called on fellow legislators to establish "MP Hubs" within their constituencies to address youth unemployment and reduce crime.  

Drawing inspiration from President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s Presidential Hubs Initiative, Adoa emphasized that localized interventions could play a transformative role in equipping young people with vocational skills, ultimately fostering economic empowerment and social stability.  

Speaking at a recent public event, Minister Adoa highlighted the success of the Presidential Hubs and underscored the need for MPs to take proactive steps within their respective constituencies.  

“The Presidential Hubs may seem like a small initiative, but they have changed many lives, and countless individuals can attest to their impact. As leaders, we must build upon the foundation set by the President and implement similar programs at the grassroots level,” she stated.   

Adoa envisions MP Hubs as community-driven vocational training centers that would provide young people with practical skills in areas such as tailoring, carpentry, mechanics, and agriculture. These hubs, she noted, would serve as extensions of the existing Presidential Hubs but tailored to the specific needs of individual constituencies.  

Recognizing that the President cannot oversee every village, she urged MPs to take ownership of such initiatives within their local communities.  

“As leaders, we must take the initiative to establish MP Hubs in our constituencies. The President has shown us the way, but no single leader can do everything alone. It is our responsibility to complement his efforts,” Adoa remarked.  

She further suggested that MPs could contribute resources such as sewing machines, carpentry tools, and financial support to ensure the hubs become operational and impactful.  

“If every MP sets up at least one MP Hub, it could significantly reduce youth unemployment and crime. Even small contributions, like donating a few sewing machines to a community vocational school, can create meaningful change,” she added.  

Uganda continues to grapple with one of the highest youth unemployment rates in Africa. According to a 2023 Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) report, over 60% of unemployed Ugandans are young people, many of whom turn to informal jobs or, in some cases, engage in criminal activities due to lack of opportunities.  

Adoa underscored the urgent need for practical solutions to keep young people engaged and economically productive.  

“When young people are idle, they are more vulnerable to criminal activities such as theft, drug abuse, and gang violence. However, if they have access to vocational training and income-generating opportunities, they will be too engaged to resort to crime,” she explained.  

She emphasized that MPs must move beyond political rhetoric and prioritize tangible, long-term solutions that directly impact their constituents.  

While the concept of MP Hubs has been widely welcomed, some critics have raised concerns regarding sustainability, funding, and oversight. Establishing and maintaining vocational centers requires substantial resources, including skilled trainers, equipment, and infrastructure.  

Some legislators argue that rather than creating entirely new hubs, efforts should focus on strengthening existing vocational institutions. Others advocate for a centralized government approach to ensure uniformity and accountability in implementation.  

However, Adoa maintains that MPs can start with small-scale interventions and gradually expand their efforts, leveraging government support, private sector partnerships, and community involvement.  

“We do not need to launch large projects all at once. Even small, incremental contributions can make a significant difference. If every MP donates equipment or provides scholarships for a few youths, we will begin to see real change,” she asserted.  

She further called on fellow legislators to transition from policy discussions to actionable initiatives, ensuring that their leadership translates into meaningful development.  

“Leadership is not just about making speeches—it is about taking action. We must demonstrate to our people that we are committed to their future,” Adoa emphasized.  

If effectively implemented, MP Hubs could become a cornerstone strategy in Uganda’s efforts to combat youth unemployment and crime. However, success will depend on the commitment of policymakers, resource mobilization, and a robust accountability framework to ensure sustainable impact.  

By prioritizing skill development and economic empowerment, legislators have an opportunity to drive long-term social and economic transformation within their communities.