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Documentary on the support programme for refugee settlements in Uganda
Jovia KAVULU | 20-08-2024
Explore how the ‘Support Programme to the Refugee Settlements and Host communities in Northern Uganda’, funded by the European Union and implemented by Enabel, is transforming lives in Uganda’s West Nile region. Since 2016, over 6,000 refugees and locals have gained vital vocational skills, driving job creation and community development. Witness their inspiring journey toward a brighter future: https://youtu.be/_F6s_wepAMs
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Enhancing Uganda's Business Environment: Learning Event on Governance and Anti-Corruption Initiatives
Jovia KAVULU | 09-08-2024
08/08/2024 - Enabel, in collaboration with the Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU), hosted a pivotal learning event focused on advancing Uganda's business landscape through robust governance and anti-corruption efforts. As we are near the conclusion of the Skills, Attitude, Governance, and Anti-Corruption (SG+) project, key stakeholders gathered to reflect on the significant strides made since the project’s inception in November 2020.The SG+ project has been instrumental in creating a more favourable business environment in Uganda. The Governance and Anti-Corruption (GAC) component has tackled corruption head-on by boosting e-procurement capabilities, promoting digitalisation, strengthening corporate governance, and establishing reporting mechanisms that support public-private dialogue. Notably, the project has empowered over 400 private sector companies to utilize the Electronic Government Procurement system, educated 180 leaders on e-government services, and facilitated the anonymous reporting of 157 corruption cases.Reflecting on the progress made, Mrs. Sophie Kyagulanyi, Project Manager for SG+, highlighted the evolving role of the Private Sector in combating corruption: “At the start, the private sector was hesitant to speak out about corruption. But today, they are actively following up on reported cases. This project has ignited a flame that won’t be easily extinguished. The structures we've established are self-sustaining and will continue to combat corruption, even as the project ends,” she said.The EU Representative, Mr. Sofian Dahmani, underscored the importance of continued collaboration, stating: “ his project demonstrates the power of partnership. The EU is committed to supporting Uganda's efforts in creating a transparent and accountable business environment. The progress made here is a testament to what we can achieve when we work together.” Adding to this, Belgian Embassy Deputy Ambassador, Mr. Luc Pirson, emphasised: “The broader implications of these efforts, noting that good governance and anti-corruption measures are fundamental to sustainable development.”The event also featured contributions from strategic partners such as National Information Technology Authority-Uganda (NITA-U) and Public Procurement & Disposal of Public Assets Authority (PPDA), who have committed to continuing these anti-corruption activities independently. The Deputy Inspector General of Government, Mrs. Ann Muheirwe, reinforced the importance of these initiatives, stating: “The fight against corruption is not just the responsibility of the government. It requires active participation from the private sector, civil society, and every Ugandan citizen. The success of the SG+ project shows that we are on the right path, but there is still much work to be done.”The momentum gained in governance and anti-corruption efforts will not only persist but expand. Organisations like Uganda Manufactures’ Association (UMA) are stepping up to further these efforts, ensuring that the fight against corruption continues and that Uganda’s business environment remains built on integrity and transparency.
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From job seeker to key contributor at Genuine Organic Millers in Uganda
Jovia KAVULU | 24-07-2024
Recipes are crucial for achieving the desired flavor in food, much like how the Enabel’s Work Readiness Programme (WRP) and the Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU) prepares graduates for the professional world. Ms. Mutesi Sophia, one of the current participants in this six-month programme, recently graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from Bugema University. After losing hope in her job search, she learned about the WRP from a friend. Shortly after applying, Mutesi was hired by Genuine Organic Millers in Mbarara. During a casual visit to the company from her home in Jinja, she unexpectedly arrived just in time to start her first job. At Genuine Organic Millers, which adds value to maize by producing posho (a type of corn meal made from maize or corn flour) and maize bran (also known as miller's bran, is the component of a cereal grain consisting of the hard layers), Mutesi quickly adapted to her new role. Eager to learn, she took on various tasks beyond her accountancy duties, including sales and deliveries. Her innovative spirit was evident, though she initially struggled with the language barrier: “I am a Musoga working with Banyankore. When I don’t understand something, I ask my colleagues for translations and take notes. I have a good memory, so I’m learning the language,” Mutesi explains. In just a few weeks, Mutesi has gained confidence from meeting new people daily and enjoys participating in the milling and packaging process, which she is encouraged to engage in.
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"Teamwork has helped me change my outlook on work" – Seezi Tubenaawe in Fort Portal
Jovia KAVULU | 24-07-2024
On the expansive 100-acre farm in the heart of Fort Portal City is where you find Seezi Tubenawe, who recently graduated from Mountains of the Moon University with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture. Upon graduation, Seezi who is motivated by his humble background promised himself to work hard. He hoped he would carry on the spirit of teamwork that he had learned earlier in life, in his career as an Agricultural Officer. Through Enabel’s Work Readiness Programme (WRP), Seezi, along with 14 other graduates, was employed at Alibagu Company Limited, a farm that has been in existence for over ten years. Seezi has been exposed to innovative farming practices like planting, and formulation, and this being his first work experience, he is proud that he has learnt practical skills like processing and preserving food for animals quite early. “While I am here, teamwork has helped change my outlook on work. I am more confident interacting with many people on duty and I take that back to my brothers and sisters at home who are now following in my footsteps” says a passionate Seezi, who now feels very capable of taking on life with both feet forward. Seezi has a personal laptop and he performs clerical tasks such as writing duty reports that he has learnt during his placement. He also notes that every day, he learns soft skills such as effective communication from his colleagues and mentors. One of the mentors that the graduate looks up to is Baguma Lucky, his manager, who also went through the WRP previously, at Honda Enterprises Limited.
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Exploring Uganda's History and Culture through Enabel's Work Readiness Programme
Jovia KAVULU | 24-07-2024
Mr. Richard Ahalikundira sought to acquire professional skills after graduating with a Bachelor’s in Social Work and Social Administration from Uganda Pentecostal University. He was attracted to Enabel’s Work Readiness Programme (WRP) which equips graduates with both soft and technical skills through hands-on experience in work environments. Through this programme, Ahalikundira secured a position as a tour guide at Trek Rwenzori Tours in Fort Portal. In his daily role, Ahalikundira ensures that tourists reach their destinations and return safely. This experience has enhanced his interactive skills as he communicates with visitors throughout their journey. He has also developed record-keeping abilities and improved his time-management skills since joining the Programme. Richard takes pride in the opportunity to explore tourist sites such as crater lakes: “I have learned about Uganda’s history and culture, which I share with tourists as part of my job”, he says. He appreciates the six-month WRP, believing it provides sufficient time for graduates to acquire essential skills for formal employment. He describes his experience as “helpful” and notes that the Programme has broadened his social network.
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Stidia is building social capital in Uganda
Jovia KAVULU | 24-07-2024
Stidia had marketing experience but sought a platform to further develop her skills through Enabel’s "Work Readiness Programme". With a Bachelor’s degree in Agribusiness Management and Rural Development, Ms. Stidia Olikiriza joined the Programme and was employed as a Sales/Marketing Officer at Genuine Organic Millers in Mbarara. Here, she honed her sales skills by visiting markets to find customers and promoting posho (a type of corn meal made from maize or corn flour) and bran (also known as miller's bran, is the component of a cereal grain consisting of the hard layers) for farmers. Stidia enjoys her work, despite challenges like customers claiming her product is costly. She is learning to convince them of the value of her high-quality posho.The Programme has helped Stidia build her social capital, which she finds very beneficial for her career. “I interact with customers who have become my friends. I call them for feedback, which has sharpened my interactive skills,” she says.The most valuable lesson Stidia has gained from the "Work Readiness Programme" is her admiration for the active business environment at her workplace. She aspires to start her own business at the end of the six-month programme, improving her income with the skills she has acquired.
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Pushing beyond the limits at a milling factory in Uganda
Jovia KAVULU | 24-07-2024
Ms. Starlight Natuha felt a strong desire to prepare for her professional future but knew she needed practical skills first. She discovered Enabel’s Work Readiness Programme (WRP) and decided to apply for the soft skills and six-month placement programme.In 2023, Starlight completed her Bachelor of Science in Planning and Community Development at Mbarara University of Science and Technology. When the WRP placed her as a Sales/Marketing Officer at Genuine Organic Millers in Mbarara, she was eager to learn about milling posho (a type of corn meal made from maize or corn flour) and bran (also known as miller's bran, is the component of a cereal grain consisting of the hard layers) for fertilizers. During her placement, she has been learning to market the products in the local communities and using communication equipment like microphones.Starlight hopes that engaging with her supervisors and customers will broaden her outlook and boost her career confidence. She looks forward to learning bargaining and computer skills, which she will need for tasks like sending emails to clients. “So far, I have seen the production process, assisted where I can, and learned about packaging, pricing, and branding. It has been a valuable learning journey, beneficial for my future tasks. I now feel confident in my ability to produce something. By the end of the WRP, I hope to be able to employ myself and others,” says Starlight.
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From theory to practical laboratory operations in Uganda
Jovia KAVULU | 24-07-2024
After graduating from St. Francis School of Health Sciences in Mukono Namataba, Mr. Mathias Ssekabira felt a strong urge to apply his knowledge. As he began his professional journey, he aimed to serve the community. Joining Enabel's Work Readiness Programme (WRP) seemed like a strategic way to achieve this goal. Mathias was fortunate to receive coherent instructions in his laboratory practice, particularly soft skills, from the Kyamaganda Community Development Organization (KCDO) in Lwengo District. Now, he is impacting the lives of community members as a Medical Laboratory Officer. KCDO is a local Community-Based Organisation that advances the lives of vulnerable communities through socio-economic empowerment. At KsDO, Mathias theoretical knowledge of laboratory operations has been put into practice through phlebotomy, which involves collecting samples from patients, examining them, and passing them on to the technician for an informed diagnosis. He has embraced the WRP opportunity to visualise his future aspirations. “I have acquired communication and problem-solving skills and can now communicate to patients, counsel HIV persons, persons suffering from syphilis among others,” says a gratified Mathias, adding that he has a dream of managing his own facility, which he hopes will improve health outcomes in the country. The Programme has also helped Mathias achieving his potential to handle the challenging task of delivering unpleasant news to patients about their HIV status. "When a person tests positive, you have to first prepare them before telling them their status", he says. He has learned to take the necessary time to gently prepare patients to receive any kind of news. He is proud that his work has significantly helped to reduce the patient overload at his facility, and teamwork has been his main takeaway from the six-month placement. Grateful for the opportunity to work with KCDO, he gladly endorses Enabel's Work Readiness Programme to fellow graduates.
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Empowered to expand networks at ‘Trek Rwenzori Tours’ in Uganda
Jovia KAVULU | 24-07-2024
After graduating with a Bachelor of Adult and Community Education and a diploma in Tourism and Hospitality, Ms. Rose Kababiito was inspired to join Enabel’s Work Readiness Programme (WRP) because she wanted to learn the technical skills necessary for the professional workforce. Through the Programme, she found employment as a tour guide at 'Trek Rwenzori Tours' in Fort Portal city. Ever since her placement, Rose has been proud to have contributed to the company’s growth through her learned skills in effective communication, documentation and creating visibility for the tour business. At 'Trek Rwenzori Tours', Rose learns practically, and with her efforts, the business is getting more tourist bookings. On a regular field work day, Rose briefs tourists on what to expect and the trip do's and don’ts and leads them to their safari destinations. “I can now talk to international visitors without feeling intimidated. I’m more confident now”, she says. In addition to her interactive skills, Rose, who is interested in digitalisation has a platform to undertake digital tasks like documentation of stories from the field. She has also learned skills in Excel database and gmail, and has consequently improved her resume. Rose is excited about her newfound report writing skills and the exposure she has built in addition to the network expansion, which she has gained for the company. “I believe that I’ll be able to put all the soft skills I’m learning from the programme such as teamwork, to use even in my future career”, says Rose.
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Building success through community engagement in Uganda
Jovia KAVULU | 24-07-2024
“If you interact with people, you can win a contract. If you can win a contract, you can build a career. If you can build a career, you can be successful”, says Mr. Justus Twinomujuni. He is a graduate civil engineer at the Bazira Kiteesa Sports Ground, where he was placed when he applied for the six-month Enabel's Work Readiness Programme (WRP). Justus journey began with a curiosity to bridge the gap between the theoretical knowledge he acquired in school and practical application in a real-world setting. He had the noble desire to contribute towards community development through his engineering skills. At the Bazira Kiteesa Sports Ground, the graduate engineer monitors and advises on technical operations, guides contractors, and ensures adherence to quality standards and safety protocols. His confidence has soared as he actively engages with community leaders and locals to understand their perspectives and needs. He is excited to integrate his engineering expertise with community insights. Moreover, from the Programme, in addition to honing his technical skills in software proficiency in technical tools like Civil 3D and ARCHCARD, Justus says he has also polished his soft skills like effective communication and problem-solving abilities. For a fresh graduate, he has impressively adapted quickly to the professional work environment. With his proven capacity to engage with diverse stakeholders, from educated professionals who are his mentors and direct supervisors to those less-versed in technicalities who work at the Sports Ground which is under construction. Facing minimal challenges, Justus highlights the supportive environment provided by the Programme directors. Any issues he faces are swiftly addressed through collaborative resolutions, which has eased his learning experience. Justus notes that his active involvement in constructing a pavilion as part of the Sports Ground project is his significant contribution to the Lwengo Community. The Sports Ground is where the famous Kabaka Run has been modestly commemorated for the last three years by community members around the area. The Run is flagged off by the Kabaka on the last Sunday preceding his birthday which is on 13th April, and it aims at promoting fitness, health, and community engagement. Participants usually gather at Lubiri palace and run through the city, with different distances available for people of all fitness levels). Youngsters always visit to practice athletics. Justus has kept close contact with NGO ‘Engineers Without Borders’ and can advise the construction team on the ground with guidance from the NGO. This, he says, has enriched his practical experience and widened his perspective on civil engineering. The graduate’s major takeaway from the six-month WRP so far is the importance of interpersonal skills as he emphasises that effective interaction with people is pivotal not only for securing contracts but also for building a successful career in engineering. With this positive attitude, Justus hopes to leverage his training to contribute to a greater impact in the Lwengo community in the next three months, “I’ll be ready to happen and be the impactful marvel I’ve always wanted to be”, says Justus.
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Scovia smelt the sweet aroma of cows in Uganda when she joined Enabel's Work Readiness Programme
Jovia KAVULU | 22-07-2024
Ms. Scovia Bbiira is a passionate Agricultural Officer at Alibagu Company Limited, a farm in Fort Portal. She graduated as an agricultural scientist from Mountains of the Moon University but did not find work. When she joined Enabel's Work Readiness Programme (WRP), Scovia was fortunate to learn practical skills in agriculture. “Imagine I knew nothing about how someone handles themselves at work. I was just at home and had no skill”, she remembers. The WRP turned into her new teacher for both the soft and hard skills, and Scovia could not wait to throw herself into work at the farm. “I had heard of how to make silage from school, but I had never felt that sweet aroma of the cows”, says the animal lover. “Now I can do things practically. I used to hear about ‘lablab’ (a valuable green manure) and other animal pastures for dairy, and now, I have had the opportunity to see it all”, notes Scovia elatedly. She says that she was fearful and had trouble interacting with people, but now “I can talk easily with everyone. I have learnt how someone carries themselves professionally. I thank the Work Readiness Programme”, says a grateful Scovia. Moreover, she is the only female graduate on the farm. When asked how she felt about it, she said, “I’m very happy to learn along with the gentlemen because they warmed up to me and treat me as their sister.”Scovia is passionate about chicken farming and wants to start a poultry unit after the Programme, “I was excited to learn about how a brooder is managed,” says the cheerful graduate.
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Launching into a promising auditing career in Uganda
Jovia KAVULU | 22-07-2024
“I want to be an auditor when I grow up,” declared Kiwanda, a Finance graduate of Makerere University Business School, and Level One student of Certified Public Accountants Uganda (CPAU). Kiwanda says he was encouraged by his sister to join Enabel's Work Readiness Programme (WRP). Holding onto his auditing dream, Kiwanda applied and was lucky to get chosen for the Programme. He was placed at St. Nicholas Milling Centre, a factory that was established under the Kyamaganda Community Development Organization (KCDO) in the Lwengo District. His main responsibility was to improve the community’s welfare through value addition to the maize grown by the community. Kiwanda cheerily serves as a Finance Officer at the factory, and his placement has so far proven to be an invaluable learning experience. The graduate recalls his first encounter with report writing during his placement : “When I was asked to write my first financial report, it took me a while because I had to repeat it three times while I got guidance.” Once it was approved, Kiwanda felt accomplished, and it’s with this resilience that the graduate says he will approach all his tasks in the workforce. Kiwanda was taught to file tax returns by an official from the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) who was hosted at Kyamaganda to guide the graduate accountant. The Programme has also equipped him with hands-on practice in handling debtors and creditors as well as the opportunity to use Quickbooks, an accounting software.Through his interaction with fellow graduates from diverse professional backgrounds for example engineers and lawyers, Kiwanda has managed to hone his interpersonal skills and this interaction. He has also sharpened his communication ability.“I express myself better now, and I’m happy to spend more time with them so that we can learn a lot from each other,” he says, adding that he admires the grit and determination of his engineering friends that he has met in the Programme. “Having a passion for construction and interacting with engineers has reinforced my knack for excellence, which is very necessary for the auditing career. Thanks to the Work Readiness Programme,” concludes the graduate accountant.
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Consolidating community development with legal practice in Uganda
Jovia KAVULU | 22-07-2024
Instead of following the typical path of starting his own law firm, which is common among new law school graduates, Mr. David Mayanja Kiiza chose to join Enabel's Work Readiness Programme (WRP) while waiting for enrolment as an advocate by the High Court of Uganda. David graduated with a first-class degree from the Law Development Centre (LDC) and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Law from Kampala International University. David, 28, discovered Enabel's Work Readiness Programme online and applied (even though he initially wanted to work in the tourism sector) which he viewed as a new and exciting field for legal practice. Instead, he found an opportunity in community development. He joined the Kyamaganda Community Development Organisation (KCDO), a local Community-Based Organisation focused on socio-economic empowerment for vulnerable communities, as a counsellor. While here, he has been able to work in the legal department. Community members have consulted him on legal issues related to land and domestic violence. He drafts documents such as employment contracts and advises on policy amendments for the organisation. David is proud of his daily interactions with the community, which have boosted his confidence and career outlook. “I have the chance to educate the community on legal issues,” he says. Through the WRP, he has also gained computer software skills, enhancing his ability to work with the Electronic Court Case Management Information System (ECCMIS), an online filing system introduced in the judiciary. “My communication skills with clients have improved, and I can speak more confidently now,” he adds, emphasising the long-term benefits of these skills. Beyond legal practice, David aspires to be a businessman. “Communication skills are crucial in business because we work with people. Understanding their needs and challenges builds trust and paves the way forward,” he explains. He also notes that his perspective on his environment has broadened. David has faced challenges with bureaucracy, particularly delays in document processing, a common issue in the legal field. However, his placement organisation has provided significant support, greatly aiding his professional growth. He has enjoyed working with graduates from various backgrounds at Kyamaganda and, as a proponent of "Uubuntu and teamwork," David is pleased with the efficient completion of tasks. “I interact with medical officers, engineers, agricultural officers, and finance officers, among others,” he says. With the networking opportunities the Programme offers, David plans to continue expanding his horizons.
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Aguro’s path to excellence in dairy quality assurance in Uganda
Jovia KAVULU | 22-07-2024
Upon graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology from Makerere University, Jemimah Peace Aguro was encouraged by fellow Mastercard alumnus who had been through the Work Readiness Programme to apply for it. “Previous scholars had informed me of the hustle of employment search and introduced me to the easy way, the Work Readiness Programme”, she said. Aguro is one of the two graduate employees that were taken on by Amos Dairies in Mbarara District. She works as a Quality Control Officer who carries out quality tests on raw materials and validates systems, ensuring that they run as per set standards. She says that what makes her confident about her work is that the Work Readiness Programme has given her the platform to practice what she studied in school. “That I fit into a very prominent industry and directly handle a consumable product makes me very confident,” she says.In addition to the soft skills she learned before starting her placement at Amos Dairies, Aguro has learnt how to handle food and the various management systems regarding food. She says she is now able to apply her learned soft skills such as teamwork, innovativeness, consistency and decision-making in her professional work. Despite biotechnology being a slowly growing industry in Uganda, many things are not yet regulated as Aguro notes. She adds that she feels proud of what she has achieved. “Our supervisor, Mr. Temba Phiri is very reliable and the programme has indeed given me a platform to start my career. My takeaway from the programme is patience and being optimistic regardless of what one may face in the work environment. Whereas quitting might be a constant thought in a new workspace, patience does pay,” notes Aguro. She and her co-graduate employee are being retained at the company.
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Closure of Northern Uganda support programme marks new beginnings for youth and refugees
Jovia KAVULU | 12-07-2024
4th July-2024-The closure event of the support programme to the refugee settlements and host communities in Northern Uganda was held in Arua city. The occasion marked the conclusion of a successful programme implemented by Enabel, and the announcement of a new initiative aimed at promoting green and decent jobs.Tom Vanneste, the Country Director of Enabel, shared insights into the programme extension that has been running from December 2022 to November 2023. "The programme set out to skill youth, refugees, and host communities in Northern Uganda. 73% of the trainees are now self-employed," Vanneste said. He highlighted the impact of the project on women, emphasizing their newfound financial independence. "I spoke to one of the female beneficiaries who is proud to be earning her own money," he added. Vanneste also announced a new project by Enabel, which will also be funded by the European Union and will target more youth in the region. "Although we are closing this project, we are also opening a new one that will target more youth in the region," he said. The project will run for four years and will focus on the youth that have already been skilled in the previous project.The Enabel project manager Charles Okot, expressed optimism about the new project. "With the new WeWork project, more youth will be reached, and we shall hit a higher target," he said.Richard Sabiti, a catering graduate from the project, shared his success story. After dropping out of school due to financial constraints, he got a second chance through a catering training and was retained by Le tsuba Hotel in Arua after his internship.The Deputy Head of the European Union Delegation to Uganda, Mr Guillaume Chartrain stated, "Today is not the end but a step towards the new project that is coming to the region." He highlighted the European Union's support for refugees and host communities and praised the project as a good example of livelihood programs.The event featured an exhibition where beneficiaries displayed their products, including soaps, jellies, craft materials, bags and clothes, among others. The EU representative encouraged participants to support the beneficiaries by purchasing their products.30% of the current refugee population in Uganda are youth, meaning that focusing on the refugee youths is key. The government of Uganda has an open door policy, permitting refugees to settle and work in Uganda.The deputy Resident City Commissioner of Arua, Charles Ichogor praised the project's success and urged development partners to continue with similar programs. "This project is one of its kind because we have success stories live on the ground," he said.The new WeWork project aims to support private sector development, create more opportunities for youth, leverage innovation and technology, and foster sustainable business growth. The project is set to benefit the regions of Busoga, Rwenzori/Albertine and West Nile.