On Friday 20th May 2022, all roads led to AFFCAD, where 363 youths from the Bwaise slums—whose businesses were greatly affected by COVID-19—were awarded with certificates.
Furthermore, about 200 of them received business toolkits to enable their businesses to thrive following training on entrepreneurship and employability.
Additionally, 63 teachers were awarded with cash for starting business enterprises.
However, youth unemployment is still one of Uganda’s biggest challenges. Self-employment through starting their own small businesses gives young people an opportunity to work their way out of poverty. Many small businesses started by the young people were greatly affected by the outbreak of COVID-19, hence the need to support these youth’s small businesses.
That is why, while speaking at the award ceremony, Prudence Atukwatse—the Executive Director of AFFCAD—encouraged the youth to create their own jobs, and utilise the skills they acquired through training to make their lives better:
‘I encourage youth to attain hands-on skills and create their own jobs for a better future.’
Ms Atukwatse also thanked the European Union, the Aga Khan Foundation, the Segal Family Foundation and the African Coalition for Social Impact for their funding partnership.
The function was attended by several dignitaries, including:
- Natalie Brown, the Ambassador of the United States of America to Uganda;
- Romina Wilke Köhler, the Honorary Consulate of Switzerland;
- Brian George, the US Embassy Public Affairs Officer;
- Nicholas Gonze, of the European Union;
- Taaka Janepher, from GIZ Uganda;
- Olga Namukuza, the Program Manager of the Aga Khan Foundation;
- Dr Joyce Tamale, the CEO of Capital Solutions Limited (who also gave a motivational speech);
- officials from the Kampala Capital City Authority of Kawempe Division; and
- representatives from the African Coalition for Social Impact, among others.
Nicholas Gonze, in particular, applauded AFFCAD and the AFFCAD Business and Vocational Institute (ABVI) for equipping youth with various skills. He reaffirmed the European Union’s commitment towards promoting youth empowerment as well as sustainable economic growth and development. He called upon other development partners to invest more resources in programs that promote resilience and sustainable economic growth.
Additionally, Saudah Lumalaone—one of the youth beneficiaries from Kawaala Road in Bwaise—had this to say just after receiving her award:
‘I am thankful to AFFCAD and its partners for enabling us young entrepreneurs to acquire knowledge and skills to better our businesses.’
Finally, Ms Atukwatse mentioned that AFFCAD is planning to train another 200 youth in business skills while the Youth Entrepreneurship and Employability Skilling Plus (YEES+) project runs until September 2022. She encouraged the awardees to professionalise by enrolling for vocational training at the AFFCAD Business and Vocational Institute.
