Over 3,000 refugees trained to boost economic independence

More than 3,000 refugees and members of host communities in the districts of Kikuube, Isingiro, and Kampala have been equipped with vocational, life and entrepreneurial skills, setting them on a path toward economic independence despite a decline in humanitarian aid.

This milestone has been achieved under the Social Cohesion and Livelihoods Empowerment for Youth-Led Durable Solutions (SCALE) project, spearheaded by the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) and funded by the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation.

Uganda hosts over 1.9 million refugees, with more than 110,000 new arrivals recorded in 2025 alone.

The country has earned global recognition for its progressive refugee policy, which allows refugees the right to work and move freely.

However, increasing pressure on aid resources has shifted focus toward empowering refugees to become self-reliant.

Targeting youth aged between 15 and 35, the three-year SCALE project, which began in 2022 and ends in 2025, aims to train 3,500 young people and help at least 75% of them secure decent employment.

To date, 3,362 youth 96.06% of the target, have received training, and 2,422 of them have earned certification from the Directorate of Industrial Training (DIT).

Skills that change lives

The training program covers a wide range of skills, including tailoring, carpentry, hairdressing, motorcycle mechanics, and entrepreneurship. These skills have already enabled many of the beneficiaries to start small businesses or find employment.

Speaking at the graduation of the third cohort at Kyangwali Refugee Settlement in Kikuube District, NRC Area Manager Melchizedek Malile emphasised the organisation's commitment to equipping refugees with marketable skills.

“With reduced funding, we must ensure that young people become self-reliant and contribute to the economy instead of depending solely on humanitarian aid,” he said.

Malile noted that the project uses a dual-generational approach, providing child care for young mothers in Early Childhood Development (ECD) centers while they attend training.

He also stressed the importance of supporting graduates with startup kits and capital to help them launch their businesses.

“We provide startup kits aligned with their training areas and give them seed cash to handle initial business expenses such as renting workspaces and purchasing materials,” he explained.

NRC works closely with the Directorate of Industrial Training to assess the trainees and award nationally recognised DIT certificates.

Malile said these certificates could prove vital when refugees eventually return to their home countries, where they can use them to seek employment or further opportunities.

To foster continued support and knowledge sharing, NRC has also introduced a digital platform for trained youth to connect and grow their businesses together.

Refugees and members of the host community in Kyangwali refugee settlement Kikuube district getting tailoring skills at the Maratatu Skilling Centre. The youth are skilled under the Social Cohesion and Livelihoods Empowerment for Youth-Led Durable Solutions (SCALE) project, spearheaded by the NRC and funded by the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation. This was in Kyangwali refugee settlement Kikuube district, on July 1, 2025. (Credit: Lawrence Mulondo)

Local leaders applaud the initiative

Kikuube District Education Officer Deogratius Byakagaba praised the skilling initiative, noting its alignment with government efforts to promote technical education and self-employment.

“The country has many graduates who are not contributing to national development due to a lack of practical skills. With hands-on training, we can uplift household incomes, improve livelihoods, and raise living standards,” he said.

Byakagaba urged communities to embrace vocational education, especially in refugee settlements where people face unique vulnerabilities. He acknowledged NRC's role in completing the training cycle by providing startup kits and supporting graduates in starting their own businesses.

“Employment opportunities are limited. That’s why we encourage people to create their own jobs,” he added.

Olga Norah Ruza, Assistant Field Officer and Education Focal Person for United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) at Kyangwali Refugee Settlement, commended NRC for responding to a long-standing call to provide skills and startup tools to refugees.

“We have always advocated for trainees to receive the tools they need to kickstart their journey towards self-sustainability,” she said.

Ruza urged the beneficiaries to put their training and kits to good use by starting businesses and employing others within their communities.

“Don’t keep the kits unused. Make the most of them, and encourage others to take up these opportunities,” she advised.

Changing lives on the ground

Asimwe Kahigwa, a 34-year-old refugee from the Democratic Republic of Congo living in Kyangwali, trained in motorcycle mechanics. Before joining the program, he struggled to support his large extended family of 24 by working in gardens for small wages.

“Now that I have the skills, I can start a business and teach my relatives so we can all earn and support our family, especially the school-going children,” he said.

Oprah Sifa, also from Congo, began earning money from hairdressing even before completing her six-month training. She used the income to care for her two children.

“With the startup kit I received, I’m ready to open a salon and improve our standard of living,” she said.

Molly Ayikoru, a 32-year-old Ugandan from the host community in Kikuube, was trained in tailoring. She plans to start a business to support her four children and eventually open a workshop to train school dropouts.

“I’ll use my knowledge to earn and ensure my children stay in school,” she said. “My dream is to help more girls and boys learn skills that can transform their lives.”

As humanitarian aid becomes increasingly strained, vocational training programs like SCALE offer a sustainable solution for both refugees and host communities. With practical skills, startup support, and institutional collaboration, thousands of lives are being changed, not just for today, but for the future.