The Albertine Region Sustainable Development Project (ARSDP) bursary scheme in Hoima district has been launched by President Yoweri Museveni.

This bursary scheme offers an opportunity to approximately 600 learners from the Albertine region with hands-on skills in civil, structural engineering and construction, driving, mechanical trades, electrical trades, hospitality and catering, among others. These are the key skills required to support the oil production activities, when extraction finally starts in the region.

President Museveni encouraged the people of Bunyoro sub-region to encourage their children to join the bursary scheme to enable the youth acquire skills that will help them access employment, both locally and internationally.

"You shouldn't be misled by people who are singing about oil because oil will get finished," said the president.

The first lady called upon all the politicians, religious leaders, parents and the whole community to take this golden opportunity and ensure that all eligible Ugandans compete to access the bursaries to improve their employability. She also encouraged mainly the girls and women to take on this opportunity.

Bategeka Lawrence, MP Hoima Municipality welcomed the bursaries. "With this bursary, our children will get capability to serve in the oil and gas industry in the country but also elsewhere in the world,” Bategeka said.

The oil and gas industry in the country is expected to create 160,000 jobs to the people.

The bursary scheme is implemented by the Ministry of Education and Sports under the Albertine Region Sustainable Development Project bursary scheme. Those eligible for the bursary should be Ugandan citizens who have been living in the Albertine Region covering districts of Nebbi, Nwoya, Buliisa, Hoima, Masindi, Kiryandongo, Kibaale, Kakumiro, Kagadi, Kyenjojo, Kabarole and Ntoroko for the past five years. They should have acquired at least a minimum of O' level certificate.

The trainees will undergo skills training from accredited public and private training institutions in the country.