Since URDT started in 1993, the institute has graduated 4029 youth in the different courses offered.

2018 survey shows that 75% of the graduates have become successful artisans engaged in building and construction, welding, mechanics, carpentry and joinery, bakery, saloon businesses, tailoring and knitting, electrical and solar installation, food processing, agriculture, and tailoring.

In Kagadi town, there are currently 7 groups of welders 10 mechanics, 3 groups of tailors, 3 groups involved in carpentry, 2 groups in art crafts and design and 1 group in food processing, 5 secretarial bureaus and 3 Civil Society Organizations initiated by the graduates.

The tool refurbished program enabled 30 artisans to gain skills in tools refurbishing. Over 600 artisan groups have been trained in entrepreneurship and business management and 3300 artisans from Hoima, Kagadi, Kibaale, Kakumiro, Kyenjojo, Kasese and Bundibugyo districts have accessed tools.

The Institute also trained 68 Functional Adult Literacy instructors, 58 community-based technicians (of which 25% are women), 80 birth attendants and over 50 solar technicians from Hoima, Kagadi, Kibaale, Kakumiro, Kyenjojo, Kasese, and Bundibugyo districts.

In 2018 the Institute was able to offer entrepreneurship and business management training to 34 women drawn from the community.  The women who were trained have been able to use the knowledge and skills in running a business in bakery and tailoring. The women entrepreneurs have been able to develop business plans.

Of the 24 women trained, 20 women are able to use environmentally friendly technologies. The women in bakery business have been given knowledge and skills in the use of energy saving ovens. The traditional ovens which are used in the community use a lot of wood which has greatly contributed to deforestation. The women are now able to construct their own oven using the locally available materials in the community which makes it more cost effective when compared to the traditional ovens.

A total of 17 women graduates of the Institute have started a business in tailoring. In March 2018 the Institute graduated 95 students in different courses including tailoring.  The 27 women graduated with certificates in tailoring and 17 already have functional businesses in the community. They were supported by the institute with sewing machines as start-up capital. Though still on the small scale the women have been able to have income that has enabled their families to get the basic needs in the home.

Kiiza Nobert
Latest posts by Kiiza Nobert (see all)