Agric. & Environment
Makerere launches youth programme to boost climate-smart businesses
Prof. Nabanoga said the initiative was created to support young people who complete Senior Four, but often lack opportunities to pursue higher education or secure formal employment.
The project will begin with a pilot group of 50 young people from Lwengo, Rakai, and Yumbe districts as part of a wider eight-year initiative targeting 500 youths. (Photo by Ibrahim Ruhweza)
By: Ibrahim Ruhweza, Journalist @New Vision
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The Africa Climate Collaborative at Makerere University has launched a youth skilling program aimed at equipping young people with practical skills to create businesses, access employment opportunities, and contribute to climate resilience.
The programme being implemented by Makerere University in pertnership with the Mastercard Foundation, University of Cape Town, University of Cambridge and University of Ghana, aims at advancing Africa's preparedness for climate change.
The project will begin with a pilot group of 50 young people from Lwengo, Rakai, and Yumbe districts as part of a wider eight-year initiative targeting 500 youths, according to Prof. Gorettie Nabanoga, the Programme Director.
She said the initiative was created to support young people who complete Senior Four, but often lack opportunities to pursue higher education or secure formal employment.
“We realised that there are several young people, who never got an opportunity to attend university or pursue higher education, yet they constitute the majority of our population. We are intentionally creating pathways that enable them to acquire practical skills, participate meaningfully in the economy and secure dignified employment,” Prof. Nabanoga said.
The first cohort will receive training in the poultry value chain, covering areas such as animal feed production, hatchery management, poultry farming, value addition of poultry products, and waste management.
The training will be conducted at the Makerere University Agricultural Research Institute, Kabanyolo, where participants will receive hands-on experience before proceeding for industry attachments to strengthen their practical skills.
After completing the training, participants will undertake the Uganda Vocational and Technical Assessment Board competency assessment. "Those who pass will receive nationally recognised certificates to help them access employment or establish their own enterprises," Nabanoga said.
She said the programme targets youth aged between 18 and 35 years from Lwengo Sub-County in Lwengo District, Ddwaniro Sub-County in Rakai District, Zone 5 of the Bidibidi Refugee Settlement, and Ariwa Sub-County in Yumbe District.
“We realised that there are several young people, who never got an opportunity to attend university or pursue higher education, yet they constitute the majority of our population. We are intentionally creating pathways that enable them to acquire practical skills, participate meaningfully in the economy and secure dignified employment,” Prof. Nabanoga said.
The first cohort will receive training in the poultry value chain, covering areas such as animal feed production, hatchery management, poultry farming, value addition of poultry products, and waste management.
The training will be conducted at the Makerere University Agricultural Research Institute, Kabanyolo, where participants will receive hands-on experience before proceeding for industry attachments to strengthen their practical skills.
After completing the training, participants will undertake the Uganda Vocational and Technical Assessment Board competency assessment. "Those who pass will receive nationally recognised certificates to help them access employment or establish their own enterprises," Nabanoga said.
She said the programme targets youth aged between 18 and 35 years from Lwengo Sub-County in Lwengo District, Ddwaniro Sub-County in Rakai District, Zone 5 of the Bidibidi Refugee Settlement, and Ariwa Sub-County in Yumbe District.
She encouraged young women, young mothers, refugees, and persons with disabilities to apply, saying the programme seeks to create inclusive opportunities for different groups.
Successful participants will be expected to return to their communities, establish poultry-related businesses, and share the knowledge gained with other young people, she noted.
Nabanoga said the initiative is part of efforts to address youth unemployment by linking skills development with enterprise creation and climate resilience.
Applications are open until Thursday, July 9, 2026, at 5:00pm. Interested youth can apply through the programme's online portal, email, or designated district offices.
Successful participants will be expected to return to their communities, establish poultry-related businesses, and share the knowledge gained with other young people, she noted.
Nabanoga said the initiative is part of efforts to address youth unemployment by linking skills development with enterprise creation and climate resilience.
Applications are open until Thursday, July 9, 2026, at 5:00pm. Interested youth can apply through the programme's online portal, email, or designated district offices.