Mbale youth tipped on entrepreneurship

By David Oduut

YOUTH in Mbale have been tasked to venture into self-help projects that could generate them income if they are to escape poverty.

“Most youth now spend the small money they get on swag and hanging out, this money could be best used, or rather invested to start income generating activities, this would improve your livelihoods in the near future,” Pamela Watuwa, the Deputy RDC Mbale told Mbale youth on Wednesday.

Watuwa was talking to youth in a dialogue organized by Uganda Media Development Foundation to address issues affecting youth in Mbale district.

She noted that much as government has rolled out youth support programs like Youth Livelihood program, CDD, NAADS among others, youth should also be self-driven to invest for their future and look out for ways to benefit from programs that offer support.

Watuwa gathered that many young people in Uganda are still not bothered to take up avenues availed by government to help root out of poverty.

She yet observed that they are the ones loitering in towns and trading centers with much ado yet lamenting against government for failing to offer to support them. 

“Government has put many resources on bringing sustainable micro economic stability coupled with an enabling environment for investments therefore, with the better road network, the peace and all; should be a leeway for youth to join into business ventures,” Watuwa advised.

According to Uganda Population Report 2012, Uganda has the youngest population in the world, with over 78% below the age of 30 years. Experts warn that such a big young population will exert more pressure on the economy, unless it is transformed into a productive work force.

However, Gib Gerald Wetaka the chairperson Youth Empowered, a youth group in Industrial Division Mbale targeting generation of renewable energy through the manufacture of charcoal brittles, noted that government still needs to roll out skills-based projects that can help equip youth with knowledge that can generate them income.

“A popular saying goes, give me a hook and teach me how to fish, as youth we cannot keep asking for funds all the time, but we need skills and small capital to start.” Wetaka said.

He thanked government for the youth livelihood program but however bluntly pointed out that the program currently limits only a few youth to improve their livelihoods.