By Anzoo Evaline.

Olia Presidential Industrial Hub has held its first ever Cultural Gala to showcase Ma’di rich culture identity and different vocational skills learned.

During the Cultural Gala that took place on 14^th November 2025, students were strongly encouraged to transition into job creators after completing their six-month skills training course.

According to the Hub Manager, Christopher Ijjo, said that while the day was organized to showcase culture, students are also given an opportunity to show off their different skills and interact with different stakeholders on job creation.

Ijjo also added that the day also aims at demonstrating that the Presidential Skilling Program is yielding real results.

“We want to show to the people that also our children have attended something which they can show the world. I also want to show to the people that the President did not bring a ghost project. The project the President brought is real, it is working, and it is making change,” Ijjo said.

On his part, the LC3 Chairperson of Pakele Sub County, Hon. Kenny Wellborn, applauded the discipline and parade skills of the trainees.

“I’m impressed with the skills you are getting particularly the parade… the parade your practice is not very far from the UPDF and the prison orders who have stayed over 10 years in the system,” Hon. Kenyi said.

He added that if national service is approved, many young Ugandans would easily fit into military roles.

“When you are for the parade somebody recommended you are now left with only the gun to make you a soldier. In developed countries everybody is a soldier.” Hon. Kenyi said.

Representing the Uganda Prisons Service, ASP Paul Angois, the Deputy Officer in Charge at Olia Prison Farm, commended the diversity and unity reflected in the event.

“This is a cultural gala and it shows that the Madi sub region Presidential Hub at least embraces cultural diversity. We are a multicultural environment but having people from different parts of life,” ASP Angois said.

ASP Angois also noted that the hub’s work is transformative and will have a positive impact in the community.

“I’ve seen there is really something that can transform our community into something that is really impressive ahead. There is a lot of development which is going to happen,” ASP Angois said.

On his part, Adjumani Resident District Commissioner, Toko Swaib, also urged the trainees to embrace entrepreneurship as they exit the hub.

“Once you have finished your course here, you are expected to borrow Hub’s SACCO to buy raw materials to start your own workshop. I don’t want you to leave this hub once again as job seekers, you must now leave this hub as job creators,” Toko urged.

He also emphasized financial discipline and responsible behavior.

“Borrow that money, have financial discipline, plan it very well. I don’t expect you to go out there and begin to behave recklessly. You drink yourself off. You get involved in the drug abuse; you are chewing Mairungi. That one should not be there with you,” Toko said.

The Cultural Gala showcased traditional dances, skilling products, and the unity of various tribes within the Madi Sub Region, reinforcing the hub’s dual role in preserving culture and building a productive, employable youth generation.

END.