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Monitoring of Jua Kali toolkits in Northern Uganda is ongoing

26 January 2025, 1:26 pm

By Eman Yonah Oruk

Members of the Cung Irwot Group and a team from the office of the Minister of Gender, Labour, and Social Development.

The Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development is conducting regional tours to assess the status of Jua Kali enterprises.

These enterprises are expected to transition into the formal economy through the SENTE programme. The initiative, which has so far benefited over 23,000 people from 781 registered groups, aims to promote growth in Uganda’s informal sectors, including tailoring, welding, carpentry, and creative arts.

On Friday, 26th January, a team from the Ministry visited the Cung Irwot Group in Alyec B village, Akaka parish, Aber subcounty, Oyam district, to monitor their progress under the Jua Kali programme.

Fred Ngabirano, Commissioner for Youth and Children Affairs, who is leading the Jua Kali programme in Northern Uganda, explained that the nine-year initiative aims to equip youth, women, and people with disabilities with entrepreneurship skills.

In Oyam District, 25 groups are involved in various enterprises such as tailoring, welding, carpentry, plumbing, hairdressing, and outside catering. David Okumu, Chairperson of the Cung Irwot Group, attributed their success to the training and support they received through the Jua Kali programme.

He noted that prior to 2018, each member contributed 2,000 shillings monthly, generating a total of 106,000 shillings. However, after receiving a tent and chairs from Minister Betty Amongi in 2022, their monthly income increased to approximately 286,000 shillings.

Okumu shared the group’s aspirations to expand their ventures by diversifying into poultry farming and providing further entrepreneurial skills training for members.

In conclusion, Okumu praised the Government of Uganda, under the leadership of the Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development, headed by Hon. Betty Amongi Akena, for their support in fostering development.

This month, the Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development is monitoring 43 groups in the Acholi and Lango subregions.

So far, they have monitored 10 groups in Kitgum District, 2 groups in Amuru District, 3 groups in Nwoya District, 3 groups in Gulu City, and are currently monitoring 25 groups in Oyam District.