Kakonkoma Garage Training School Holds 2nd Graduation, Calls for More Government Support

Rukungiri: Kakonkoma Garage Training School in Rukungiri Municipality has held its 2nd graduation ceremony, where 40 students successfully graduated. 

The graduation took place on April 28, at Rukungiri Main Stadium and coincided with the closure of a one-week trade show organized by the United Technicians Association (UTA), an umbrella body that brings together people with various vocational skills such as motor vehicle mechanics, welding, crafts, tailoring, hairdressing, catering, and paper technology, among others.

While addressing guests, the Director of Kakonkoma Garage and Vice Chairperson of UTA, Ronald Kyarimpa, commonly known as Kakonkoma, thanked parents for trusting them with their children. He encouraged continuing students to work hard and master their skills. Kyarimpa also praised the government for setting up the Directorate of Industrial Training (DIT), saying it has greatly boosted vocational education in Uganda. 

However, he appealed to the government to provide more materials and equipment to support their training activities, noting that a shortage limits their practical work and capacity building. 

CUE IN…KAKONKOMA//RR

The school principal, Onesmus Ngabirano, thanked God for the successful graduation. He also appreciated the parents for supporting their children’s education and skills development. Ngabirano explained that the new curriculum now allows students to study both theory and practical skills, earning them recognized certificates from national examination boards. These certificates enable graduates to further their studies if they wish.

Speaking at the event, the Chairperson of the Board of Directors and Director of Brian Trust, Franck Mugiri, urged the graduates to love and have passion for their professions if they want to succeed. He noted that many fail in their careers because they lack passion for their work. Mugiri also criticized government officials for neglecting mechanics and not honoring their activities, despite the important role they play.

The Chairperson of UTA Philip Magezi, said the association was founded on September 19, 2019, with the aim of promoting innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship to fight unemployment, especially among the youth.

The guest of honor, the aspiring mayor for Rukungiri Municipality, Boaz Kasiime Matita, told graduates that success in Uganda is not determined by the level of education alone but by hard work and hands-on skills. He pledged to lobby government support for mechanics and vocational training programs. 

He encouraged parents to continue pushing their children to higher levels of education to give them more opportunities. He also advised graduates who have obtained driving permits to keep upgrading their skills so they can qualify to drive larger vehicles like buses in the future.