Youth projects in 73 districts to receive business toolkits, equipment

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A total of 7883 youth in 240 informal sector (Jua-kali) groups will receive business startup toolkits and equipment in their areas of specialisation today (June 28, 2024).

Jua-kali group representatives from 73 districts will today (Friday June 28, 2024) assemble at the Uganda Museum in Kampala to receive their packages from the Vice President of Uganda, Jessica Alupo.

The benefiting districts include Gulu, Kyegegwa, Kanungu, Kasese, Masindi, Kampala, Arua City, Kikobe, Kyenjojo, Bufumbira, Kabale, Sheema, Mubende, Mpigi, Nakaseke, Mbarara, Otuke.

Other districts are Nakapiripirit, Kitgum, Tororo, Lira, and Oyam.

The beneficiaries will receive motorcycles, salon equipment, sewing machines, commercial heavy-duty ovens, Commercial heavy-duty mixers, beehives, bee extractors, and events management kits such as tents and chairs among others.

The assistant Commissioner in charge of Labour productivity in the Gender Ministry, Hillary Businge says that "the programme is implemented by the government through the Gender Ministry to improve livelihoods, the productivity of different Ugandans wealth fare.”

Hillary Businge, gender ministry assistant commissioner in charge of labour productivity addressing beneficiaries during the training at Uganda Museum in Kampala on Thursday June 27, 2024. (Photo by Juliet Kasirye)

“This is a demand-driven programme, and we support beneficiaries based on their need. We have been handing over equipment, and this is the 9th cohort where we are handing over equipment to different groups across all regions in the country,” explained Businge.

For sustainability to improve people’s living standards, Businge said, the Jua-kali project not only targets the youth but also supports people with disabilities and women.

He made the remarks during the training of representatives from different Jua-kali groups held at the Uganda Museum on Thursday.

A cross section of beneficiaries waiting to recieve equipment during the training at the Uganda Museum in Kampala on Thursday, June 27, 2024. (Photo by Juliet Kasirye)

During the Jua-kali precursor event, group leaders from different areas of expertise received basic management skills in record keeping, and financial management among others on how to enhance the labour productivity of their businesses.

Businge emphasised: “Use this equipment for what it is meant for. Don’t personalise the equipment because you are receiving it on behalf of your group. For instance, if you get the salon equipment and you start a salon business, you will not only create impact in your employees, but you will also improve their livelihoods.”

To receive the equipment, Businge disclosed that beneficiaries will sign a memorandum of understanding, (MOU) which will govern the usage of operating of the equipment. However, beneficiaries who plan to sell or use the government equipment as collateral to acquire a loan will be arrested.

So far, according to the ministry, about 552 groups have received the equipment since 2017. The programme enterprises to transition into the informal economy.