Local leaders in Tororo District are calling on the government to open the Tororo Railway Technical College to civilian students, arguing that wider access would help address skills shortages, create employment opportunities and support the country’s expanding railway network.
The appeal was made by Tororo District Speaker Eddy Obella before members of the Parliamentary Committee on Physical Infrastructure, who were in the district on an oversight visit.
The college has traditionally been associated with training army personnel in railway engineering and operations. However, local leaders want the institution to admit civilians alongside military trainees to expand access to specialised technical skills.
Obella said opening the college to civilians would give more Ugandan youth an opportunity to acquire skills needed in the transport sector and help the country reduce its reliance on foreign expertise.
“A skilled civilian workforce could enhance the efficiency and sustainability of railway operations nationwide,” Obella said.
He argued that as Uganda invests in railway infrastructure, it will need a larger pool of skilled workers capable of operating and maintaining the network.
Obbo Oketcho, the district councillor for Nagongera Town Council, said the current arrangement limits the wider economic benefits that could be generated by the institution.
He said opening the college to civilians would create a more balanced workforce and allow young people to benefit from opportunities arising from investments in railway infrastructure.
The committee, led by its chairperson Mwine Mpaka, acknowledged the concerns and pledged to engage the responsible minister on expanding the institution’s intake to include civilians.
Government plans Shs556 billion Tororo road network
Mpaka also disclosed government plans to expedite the tarmacking of five interlinking roads in Tororo District at an estimated cost of more than Shs556 billion.
He said designs and feasibility studies for the 120.8-kilometre road network had been completed, with the Ministry of Works and Transport at the final stage of sourcing a contractor.
The planned roads include Tororo-Nagongera-Busolwe-Busabi, Rubongo-Buwesa-Kisiro, Buwesa-Busabi, Busabi-Busolwe and Nagongera-Mulanda-Nambogo-Mile 11-Jinja roads, among others.
Mpaka urged local leaders to encourage residents to increase production so they can take advantage of the economic opportunities expected to come with improved road connectivity.
“Count yourselves lucky because these roads will interlink the district with neighbouring districts. As leaders, encourage your people to engage in active production to make the roads viable; otherwise, they will miss the opportunities that the development will bring,” he said.
Deputy Chief of Defence Forces Lt Gen Samuel Okiding also appealed to local communities to support peace and engage in productive economic activities.
