A New Program to Equip Youth with Agricultural Entrepreneurship Skills Launched in Kabale District

By Alex Byakatonda, Communications Officer – Kabale

Kabale District, in partnership with The Hunger Project Uganda, has launched a new initiative aimed at empowering young Ugandans with agricultural entrepreneurship skills to improve their livelihoods, boost food security, and create sustainable income opportunities.

The program, dubbed the Youth Agricultural Entrepreneurship Program (YAEP), will be implemented in the sub-counties of Kitumba and Kamuganguzi and later in Kyanamira and Buhara sub counties. It seeks to harness the innovative potential of youth in Uganda, encouraging them to start climate-smart agribusinesses that will positively impact their communities for generations to come.

Speaking at the program’s inception meeting held today at the District Rukiiko Hall, Eveline Namubiru, the Program Coordinator with The Hunger Project Uganda, highlighted that YAEP is being rolled out in seven districts across the country, including Kabale, Butambala, Wakiso, Iganga, Bugweri, Nwoya, and Amuru.

Namubiru emphasized that the program is not only focused on agribusiness development but also aims to nurture youth leadership. A key component of the initiative is a youth leadership and capacity-building curriculum designed to shift the mindset of young people from job seekers to job creators.

Specialized training programs will cover topics such as climate-resilient agricultural practices, agri-foods, value addition, food processing, financial management, and business development. The program will also provide support for youth to create and grow their own businesses through access to land, financing, technology, and market linkages facilitated by partnerships with local governments and the private sector.

During the meeting, the Kabale District LC5 Chairperson, Nelson Nshangabasheija, expressed his support for the program and commended the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government for creating a conducive environment for initiatives that help improve livelihoods. He urged the project implementers to ensure regular project reviews and evaluations, provide technical guidance, and help establish market linkages for long-term success.

According to the program’s scope, the three-year initiative aims to benefit 1,500 youth aged 18-33 years, with an equal distribution of 50% girls and boys. The focus will be on creating opportunities in agribusinesses that promote both job creation and income generation.

In his closing remarks, Assistant Resident District Commissioner Martin Niwataho welcomed the program, stating that it would help educate the youth on diverse ways to earn a living and enhance food security in their communities. He stressed the importance of changing the mindset of the youth, particularly those engaged in unproductive activities like sports betting, which he believes are contributing to a sense of hopelessness. Niwataho also encouraged the project team to conduct thorough needs assessments to ensure the program addresses the real challenges faced by the youth.

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