UMSC tailoring school plans expansion with new shorter courses

By Ahmed Idriss
The Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) tailoring school is set for significant improvements aimed at increasing enrollment and enhancing its impact. Following proposals to introduce new courses and reduce programme durations, Sheikhat Raddiyyah Namakula, the UMSC secretary for Women and Children Affairs, outlined these changes during the school’s 6th graduation ceremony held on January 22, at the UMSC Conference Hall.

Citing competition from the presidential skilling initiative, which offers similar programmes at the sub-county level, Sheikhat Namakula recommended shortening the current one-year tailoring course to six months. She also proposed adding vocational programs such as hairdressing, catering, and events management. “Many potential learners prefer joining government-run skilling centers nearby,” she explained, emphasizing the need for the school to adapt in order to attract more students.

Her proposals were supported by Abdullah Caner Akgun, chairman of the Sena Foundation, a key partner in the programme. “We fully support these suggestions and we will work together to implement them, ensuring the program has a greater impact on community socio-economic transformation,” he affirmed.
The graduation ceremony celebrated 26 female graduates who successfully completed their training. The 2nd deputy Mufti, Sheikh Hafidh Muhammad Harunah Bukenya, praised the school’s steady growth since its founding in 2017, noting the critical role played by the partnership with the Turkey-based Sena Foundation and the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA).
Sheikh Bukenya encouraged the graduates to use their newly acquired skills to start businesses that could support their families. “Don’t let the skills you’ve gained here go to waste. Use them as a foundation for creating income and improving your households,” he advised, sharing a personal story of his sister’s success as a tailor.