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Digital business training empowers Gulu City youth

23 April 2026, 10:28 pm

Young female entrepreneurs in Gulu City participate in a digital business training at Laroo–Pece Division Council Hall on April 21, 2026.

By Daniel Omuge and Kidega Walter

Youth and small business owners in Gulu City have undergone training on how to use mobile phones for business transactions, in a move aimed at boosting digital entrepreneurship and improving income generation among young people.

The training, held on 21st April 2026 at Laroo–Pece Division Council Hall, sought to equip participants with practical skills on how to leverage digital platforms to run and expand their businesses using mobile technology.

The initiative was organized by the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) in partnership with the Federation of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (FSME) Uganda, digital platform providers, and government. It comes at a time when many young people in the region own smartphones but remain unemployed or underemployed.

According to Barbara Alupo, Gender Analyst at UNCDF, the program is part of the broader TENX campaign, which aims to accelerate the growth of small and medium enterprises through digital transformation.

Barbara Alupo, Gender Analyst at the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), speaks about the digital business training in Gulu City.

“This programme is part of the TENX campaign aimed at enabling the growth of small and medium enterprises through the digital economy. We are focusing on advancing digital platforms to transform the way business is conducted.”

On behalf of the Executive Director of Federation of Small and Medium Enterprises -FSME Uganda, Claire Agatete, the Program Manager noted that mobile-based business operations are critical in improving efficiency, accountability, and access to financial services.

Youth participants engage in hands-on training, learning how to use mobile applications on their phones for business transactions.
Agatete highlights the importance of the digital business training for youth empowerment.

Claire added that, doing business using mobile phones is very important because it scales up operations. Many businesses struggle with record keeping, but this program will help especially young women access financial services even without collateral, as mobile transactions create traceable records.

Digital platform provider Travis Ismail of Ezy-Agric highlighted the role of mobile applications in connecting users to markets, experts, and timely agricultural information. With the app, a farmer can access markets, connect with experts, and obtain real-time information directly through their phones.

Travis, an Ezy-Agric staff member, explains the importance of using mobile applications to farmers during the training.
Travis, a staff member at Ezy-Agric, demonstrates techniques for using mobile applications during the digital business training.

Patricia Mildred Apoko, a retail shop and mobile money operator in Gulu City, said the skills gained will improve her business management and help others benefit as well.
she emphasized that, the Chap Chap App training is very useful because I am already using it to track my expenses. I also plan to teach my mother how to use the Ezy- Agric App to manage agricultural records and reduce time spent seeking mobile money services.

The program is being implemented under a market systems approach, targeting 51 districts across Uganda. It focuses on young women aged 18-35, women entrepreneurs, women with disabilities, and refugees, aiming to strengthen inclusive participation in the digital economy.