Education
Over 900 youth benefit from West Nile skilling initiative
The foundation, which is based in Arua city, has trained over 400 young people and vulnerable community members in various vocational disciplines and is targeting an additional 360 beneficiaries through ongoing expansion programs.
Madi and West Nile Diocese bishop the, Rt Rev. Dr Charles Collins Andaku, in a group photo with youth during celebrations marking the ninth anniversary of his episcopal ministry at Emmanuel Cathedral-Mvara in Arua city. (Courtesy)
By: Aloysious Kasoma, Journalist @New Vision
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Over 900 youth and vulnerable individuals in West Nile have benefited from vocational training and community development initiatives led by the Mungu Feni Foundation in the region.
The foundation has, therefore, been recognised for its contribution to skills development and youth empowerment in the region.
The recognition was made by Madi and West Nile Diocese bishop the Rt Rev. Dr Charles Collins Andaku, during celebrations marking the ninth anniversary of his episcopal ministry at Emmanuel Cathedral-Mvara in Arua city.
The foundation, which is based in Arua city, has trained over 400 young people and vulnerable community members in various vocational disciplines and is targeting an additional 360 beneficiaries through ongoing expansion programs.
Its beneficiaries include youth, women, widows, orphans, school dropouts, teenage mothers, and persons with disabilities.
Speaking during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Mungu Feni Foundation and Madi & West Nile Diocese, Benard Feni, the Chief Executive Officer of the foundation and Director of EuroGold Refinery and Mungu Feni Aviation Ltd, said the partnership is intended to strengthen community empowerment through education, vocational skills training, and social development programmes.
“This partnership is aimed at uplifting vulnerable communities by providing them with practical skills and opportunities that can improve their livelihoods and create sustainable sources of income,” Feni said.
The signing ceremony coincided with a fundraising drive for the construction of a four-storey Bishop's Complex. During the event, Feni contributed shillings 20 million towards the project and pledged continued support until its completion.
Bishop Andaku commended the foundation for investing in human capital development and creating opportunities for vulnerable people to become self-reliant.
Its beneficiaries include youth, women, widows, orphans, school dropouts, teenage mothers, and persons with disabilities.
Speaking during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Mungu Feni Foundation and Madi & West Nile Diocese, Benard Feni, the Chief Executive Officer of the foundation and Director of EuroGold Refinery and Mungu Feni Aviation Ltd, said the partnership is intended to strengthen community empowerment through education, vocational skills training, and social development programmes.
“This partnership is aimed at uplifting vulnerable communities by providing them with practical skills and opportunities that can improve their livelihoods and create sustainable sources of income,” Feni said.
The signing ceremony coincided with a fundraising drive for the construction of a four-storey Bishop's Complex. During the event, Feni contributed shillings 20 million towards the project and pledged continued support until its completion.
Bishop Andaku commended the foundation for investing in human capital development and creating opportunities for vulnerable people to become self-reliant.
“The Mungu Feni Foundation has established itself as one of the leading grassroots organisations promoting vocational education and economic empowerment in West Nile. Its contribution to skills development is transforming lives and strengthening communities,” the bishop said.
One of the foundation's flagship initiatives is the Weaving Hope Project, launched in early 2026 to equip beneficiaries with skills in fabric weaving, knitting, and entrepreneurship.
The project operates from a training centre at Okuvu Church in Anzu Parish and is equipped with modern flatbed knitting machines that provide participants with practical experience in textile production.
According to Feni, the project has already attracted hundreds of trainees from across the region, many of whom are exploring opportunities in garment manufacturing and small-scale enterprise development.
“Beyond technical skills, participants receive business management training to enable them to start and manage their own income-generating ventures,” he said.
The foundation also runs annual garment cutting and tailoring programs that offer free training in pattern making, sewing, garment construction, and business management. These programs have become a lifeline for many vulnerable individuals seeking economic independence and a pathway out of poverty.
Women account for nearly 70% of the beneficiaries, reflecting the organisation's commitment to gender inclusion and women's economic empowerment.
As Uganda continues to address the challenge of youth unemployment, the Mungu Feni Foundation is emerging as a model for community-driven development. Through vocational training, entrepreneurship support, and strategic partnerships, the organisation is creating opportunities, restoring hope, and building a more resilient future for vulnerable communities across the West Nile region.
(Courtesy)
One of the foundation's flagship initiatives is the Weaving Hope Project, launched in early 2026 to equip beneficiaries with skills in fabric weaving, knitting, and entrepreneurship.
The project operates from a training centre at Okuvu Church in Anzu Parish and is equipped with modern flatbed knitting machines that provide participants with practical experience in textile production.
According to Feni, the project has already attracted hundreds of trainees from across the region, many of whom are exploring opportunities in garment manufacturing and small-scale enterprise development.
“Beyond technical skills, participants receive business management training to enable them to start and manage their own income-generating ventures,” he said.
The foundation also runs annual garment cutting and tailoring programs that offer free training in pattern making, sewing, garment construction, and business management. These programs have become a lifeline for many vulnerable individuals seeking economic independence and a pathway out of poverty.
Women account for nearly 70% of the beneficiaries, reflecting the organisation's commitment to gender inclusion and women's economic empowerment.
As Uganda continues to address the challenge of youth unemployment, the Mungu Feni Foundation is emerging as a model for community-driven development. Through vocational training, entrepreneurship support, and strategic partnerships, the organisation is creating opportunities, restoring hope, and building a more resilient future for vulnerable communities across the West Nile region.