Mukono District and Women for Faith Launch Youth Empowerment Initiative to Promote Skills, Entrepreneurship, and Participation in Government Programs

Mukono – Mukono District Local Government in partnership with Women for Faith, a community-based organization from Misindye in Goma Division, has embarked on a new initiative to mobilize, train, and empower the youth through entrepreneurship and skills development. The program targets youth between the ages of 18 to 35, with a focus on women, persons with disabilities, refugees, and internally displaced persons.

The campaign, launched during a half-day engagement meeting held at the Chief Administrative Officer's (CAO's) boardroom, aims to equip youth with technical, vocational, ICT, and entrepreneurial skills to enable them to start and sustain businesses or find employment opportunities.

The meeting, organized by the District Community Development Department led by the Senior Community Development Officer Mrs. Immaculate Nsangi, brought together district councilors, sub-county chiefs, town clerks, LCIII chairpersons, and district youth councilors.

Representing the District Chairperson Hon. Rev. Dr. Peter Bakaluba Mukasa, the Vice Chairperson and Secretary for Finance and Administration Mr. Joremu Kabali commended the initiative and encouraged youth to fully participate in government programs such as the Parish Development Model (PDM), which he said are key in addressing poverty and unemployment.

Mr. Stephen Muhumuza, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer, who officially opened the meeting, emphasized the importance of reintegrating youth into meaningful development programs. He tasked sub-county community development officers to intensify youth mobilization and work closely with partners like Women for Faith to provide guidance and mentorship.

“The youth are being misled and need to be brought back on track. We urge community development officers to coordinate with partners like Women for Faith to equip young people with the right skills and values,” Mr. Muhumuza said. He also advised the organization to remain focused, work professionally and maintain integrity, reminding them that the government is now more active in supervising activities within districts.

Ms. Babukiika Fiona Mugumya, Executive Director of Women for Faith, highlighted that the initiative is part of an 18-month broader intervention in partnership with BrighterMonday Uganda under the Young Africa Works program. She expressed concern over the sustainability of youth-led businesses and warned against vices such as theft, homosexuality, and violence, which she said some youths are lured into due to economic desperation.

“Our mission is to see the youth transform into productive citizens, not only by starting businesses but sustaining them for community development,” Ms. Mugumya emphasized.

Addressing participants, Mr. Joremu Kabali noted that many community-based organizations request partnerships but fail to engage meaningfully with communities on the ground. He called for more practical involvement and visibility of such organizations in transforming the lives of local people.

The Mukono youth empowerment initiative is a timely intervention aligned with national goals of tackling unemployment and promoting inclusive development. With support from partners like Women for Faith and the active involvement of local leaders, the district hopes to unlock the potential of its young population.

The call to action is clear youth must seize available government and NGO opportunities such as PDM and skilling programs to lift themselves out of poverty and become agents of change in their communities.