Lira, Uganda | Young people in Northern Uganda have been urged to acquire relevant skills, learn foreign languages, and prepare early to benefit from education, employment, skills development, and vocational training opportunities abroad.
The call was made on Thursday, August 20, 2026, during the launch of the Eurokazi office at John Fisher Institute of Health Sciences in Ayago, Lira City. Abraham Ogwal, Eurokazi Regional Programme Lead for East Africa, said the initiative creates a new pathway for Ugandan youth to access legitimate international opportunities.
Ogwal said Eurokazi connects African talent to opportunities abroad through skills training, language education, career guidance, documentation support, and legitimate international programmes, including non-EU apprenticeships that combine on-the-job training with payment.
He cautioned young people against expecting shortcuts, saying the programme focuses on skills, discipline, professionalism, education, and access to the right information. He said German language proficiency is particularly important for Ugandans seeking skills-based opportunities in Germany, although some professionals pursuing master’s programmes may use English.
Ogwal urged applicants to understand the skills required for different opportunities and ensure their documentation is properly prepared. He encouraged young people from Northern Uganda and other parts of the country to prepare early, saying opportunities should not depend on where someone was born.
George Rember Okello, Executive Director of John Fisher Institute of Health Sciences, said the partnership with Eurokazi aims to expand opportunities for students and prepare them for international careers. He urged students to acquire relevant skills, German language proficiency, discipline, and professionalism to compete for employment abroad.
Okello said the institute is committed to producing quality health professionals who respect patients’ rights and are prepared for the job market. He noted that some former students had already secured jobs through international connections, encouraging others to prepare themselves for similar opportunities.
Lira City Council Secretary for Works, Technical Services, Production and Marketing Geoffrey Bosco Ogwal welcomed the initiative, saying it would connect Ugandan talent to education, jobs and career opportunities in Germany and Europe. He urged students to study hard, acquire practical skills, and learn foreign languages, particularly German, noting that English alone may not be sufficient for some international employment opportunities.
Geoffrey commended John Fisher Institute for promoting quality education and pledged Lira City Council’s support to the institution. The speakers thanked the institute’s leadership, partners, educators, parents and the media for supporting the initiative, saying the partnership would help students and professionals broaden their horizons and access opportunities for growth and a brighter future.