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A female youth receives equipment to use in her business enterprise in Isingiro district. Photo by Jovita Hasto
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By Jovita Hasto
Leaders and stakeholders in Isingiro District have taken steps to address youth unemployment by donating equipment and resources to help young people develop innovative business skills.
This initiative is part of the Innovative Challenge Fund, a mentorship program where youth participate in various business ventures and value addition projects. The program, supported by Ripple Effect, a non-governmental organization (NGO), awards participants with equipment and resources to enhance their productivity.
Ms. Susan Miria Makulu, an Enterprise Development Officer at Ripple Effect in Isingiro, stated that many participating youth demonstrated strong business potential but struggled to acquire modern equipment needed to scale their enterprises. “The goal of supporting these young people is to reduce youth unemployment by helping them establish their own businesses,” she explained.
“We target 90% female youth, with the remaining percentage allocated to men. Today, we have awarded 21 youth for actively utilizing their skills in various enterprises, including dairy production, bakery, and liquid soap making. Our focus is on value addition to maximize profit and ensure business success,” she added.
Ms. Makulu emphasized that when youth engage in productive activities, they avoid idleness.
“We encourage them to form working groups, and we identify those eligible for equipment based on their commitment to business. We do not want them to remain idle,” she said.
Through this program, 4,023 youth—out of the 5,000 targeted—have completed mentorship training in marketing and value addition for locally manufactured products.
Joy as a lady receives milk cans to enable her boost her business enterprise. Photo by Jovita Hasto
Leaders speak out
Mr. Wilberforce Bakiga, LC3 Chairperson of Isingiro Town Council, noted that unemployment had pushed many youth into crime, alcoholism, and gambling. “In trading centers, young people wander idly, spending their time on pool tables, playing cards, and betting,” he said.
The most affected villages include Ruhimbo, Kabingo Central, Rwengiri, and Bushenga Cell, which are major business hubs in the district.
Ms. Adah Nasiima, Resident District Commissioner of Isingiro, urged youth to take advantage of available support from NGOs and government initiatives such as the Parish Development Model.
“We are fortunate to host refugees, which attracts support from NGOs. However, we must also engage in government programs to create more opportunities,” she advised.
Ms. Nasiima also encouraged the youth to develop financial discipline.
“I urge you to work and save. Don’t work just to feed yourselves. Save and reinvest in your enterprises, support your families, and invest in education. We must not be left behind,” she said.
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Youth testimonies
Ms. Esther Akampurira, a youth entrepreneur in Isingiro, shared how the program helped her launch a yogurt business, earning UGX 250,000 weekly in profit.
“I have secured a market for my products, registered my business, and trained other youth in yogurt production,” she said.
Ms. Justine Namirembe, previously engaged in political campaigns, found it unproductive and decided to join a youth milk production group.
“We never realized that milk could be processed into other products. Now, we add value to milk and earn better profits. I have learned the importance of saving, and I can account for every coin I earn,” she said.
Starting with 5 liters of milk, Ms. Namirembe now processes 200 liters, producing chapati, cakes, yogurt, and ghee. “I thank the organization for empowering us. We were idle, but now we see new opportunities. I even earned a certificate from the training,” she said.
Ms. Christious Kanyakiire also expressed gratitude, stating that her new skills have enabled her to support her family and plan for the future.
“I have worked hard to expand my yogurt business, and I plan to employ more youth who are currently wasting time in the village. I can now pay rent, cover household expenses, and support my husband,” she said.
Through such initiatives, the leaders of Isingiro are reshaping the future by empowering youth to build sustainable livelihoods.
Torch Media Africa
