Comminity youth empowered with financial skills

27 September 2025, 3:46 pm

By Byamukama Alozious

In a collaborative effort to uplift the community and boost the economy, three non-profit organisations — Uganda Media Women’s Association (UMWA), Betterman Project Initiative, and Bukoto Community Development Fund — have joined forces to support youth entrepreneurship in Nakawa and Kawempe divisions, Kampala City. With funding from the Children’s Violence Prevention Fund, they are offering a three-month training programme in skills such as hairdressing, cookery, baking, and tailoring.

Kabali Paul Muwanguzi, Executive Director of Betterman Project Initiative, emphasised the importance of the initiative, noting that the business forum was organised to target project beneficiaries by providing a platform to discuss business successes, share challenges, and explore opportunities for expanding their small enterprises. According to Kalanzi Lawrence, a trainer and co-founder of Bukoto Community Development Fund, many young people struggle with financial literacy, which hinders their ability to succeed in business.

The initiative aims to equip youth with the skills and knowledge required to start and manage their own businesses. Participants in the programme are already engaged in small enterprises, including transport services, soap-making, and catering. However, they face challenges such as poor location, weak branding, and lack of adequate skills.

Musiimenta Storia, a resident of Namele, Kawempe, who runs a salon, expressed gratitude for the financial training she has received, saying it has given her valuable experience. She noted that even with limited capital, she could establish a mobile salon. Ndwabana Gloria, a domestic worker, hopes to start her own business after completing the training. Currently caring for her mother and child, she often struggles financially but believes that acquiring new skills will help her achieve financial stability.

Connie Osuru, Project Coordinator at UMWA, revealed plans to register 60 SACCO groups in financial literacy and economic empowerment programmes. The initiative aims to improve living standards and equip young people with the tools they need to succeed in business.

Clothilda Babirekere, Gender Officer at UMWA, advised youth to start small and remain resilient in the face of challenges. She shared the success story of a young man who started an accessories shop and is now thriving.