In a significant move towards community empowerment, residents of Kahihi Cell, Katooma Parish Nyakagyeme sub county in Rukungiri District participated in a training session focused on herbal medicine and liquid soap making.
The event, facilitated by Major Gen. Jim Muhwezi, the Member of Parliament for Rujumbura, attracted a large crowd eager to learn skills that could combat poverty and promote self-sufficiency.
Abaho Rogers, an aspiring district councilor and director of AR Initiatives, expressed gratitude for the overwhelming turnout. He emphasized that the training is designed to help families generate income, reducing reliance on expensive products from town.
“Liquid soap can be used for washing clothes, cleaning utensils, and mopping floors,” Rogers stated, highlighting its multi functionality.
Rogers announced intentions to establish learning centers in Nyakagyeme sub county highlighting that these centers would provide ongoing training opportunities, particularly during school holidays, allowing children to apply their skills in practical ways that aligns with the new curriculum, which emphasizes hands-on learning.
Dr. Sam Akankwasa, Chairperson of the Rukungiri Producer Cooperative Union, spoke about the connection between health and wealth. He highlighted the importance of natural herbs in treating various ailments, noting that a healthy life is crucial for economic productivity explaining that when you are sick, the money you earn goes to medical bills, and urged residents to implement the skills they gained during the training.
James Nahabwe Kashakuza, an opinion leader of PDM in Kahihi cell Katooma Parish Nyakajeme subcounty urged participants to take the skills seriously, emphasizing that such training can significantly boost household incomes.
James Nahabwe pointed out that these skills should not be undervalued compared to temporary financial aid from politicians.
According to James Mukunzi the focal person in Kahihi cell Katooma Parish Nyakajeme sub county emphasized the need for such skilling since they will now be using UGX 5000 to purchase materials to instead of soap and produce liquid soap equating to UGX 20000 and more.
Mukunzi urged his fellow residents to engage in agricultural investment alongside skills training, suggesting it can lead to significant improvements in living standards giving an example of how he has benefited from selling his bananas at higher prices.
Residents expressed enthusiasm about the training. Keshaaha Grolia noted the need for materials to continue their projects, while Ampeire Doreen highlighted the empowerment of women through skill acquisition adding that this training allows us to be less dependent on men for basic needs like soap and salt hence thanking Rogers and Major Gen Jim Muhwezi Katugugu an promising to support them in the coming elections
