Uganda Rural Development and Training Institute (URDT I), in partnership with the Kyegegwa District Local Government and with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the European Union (EU) through the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development under the Spotlight Initiative, has distributed start-up kits to young people who recently completed vocational skills training in knitting, motorcycle mechanics, welding, and shoemaking.
The distribution ceremony was held on 17 July 2026 at the Kyegegwa District Headquarters and marked an important milestone in supporting young people to transition from skills training into dignified employment, self-employment, and sustainable livelihoods.
The start-up kits, containing occupation-specific tools and equipment, are intended to enable the beneficiaries to immediately apply the practical skills acquired during training, establish income-generating enterprises, and build resilient livelihoods.
Under the Spotlight Initiative, URDT Institute is implementing a skills development programme targeting young people in Mpara Town Council, Kyegegwa Town Council, Hapuuyo Town Council, Kakabara Sub- County, Nkanja Sub-county, and Kyatega Sub-county areas that have experienced high levels of gender-based violence (GBV). The programme equips participants with practical vocational and entrepreneurial skills in welding, motorcycle mechanics, knitting, and shoemaking.
The program specifically targets young people aged 15–24 years, with a deliberate focus on inclusion. At least 70 percent of the beneficiaries are young women, while 10 percent are persons with disabilities (PWDs). The program also reaches refugees, survivors of gender-based violence, and people living with HIV/AIDS, with the overall goal of creating sustainable economic opportunities for vulnerable youth and strengthening their resilience.
Speaking during the event, Mr. Robert Katabazi, Director of Education and Training at URDT, said the start-up kits are a critical component of the program because they bridge the gap between training and employment.
“These tools will enable the beneficiaries to put into practice the skills they have acquired and begin earning a living immediately. Our goal is not only to train young people but also to empower them to become self-reliant and productive members of their communities.”
Mr. Katabazi noted that throughout the training, URDT Institute integrates the Visionary Approach and the Learn, Work and Earn model to inspire young people to pursue long-term personal and economic transformation while gaining practical experience and earning during training.
He further applauded the strong partnership between URDT Institute and the Kyegegwa District Local Government, noting that the collaboration has transformed the lives of many young people through increased access to market-relevant skills, employment opportunities, and improved livelihoods.
The Kyegegwa District Community Development Officer, Mr. Kasaija Kalya, commended URDT Institute for promoting skills training in occupations that have traditionally been dominated by one gender, saying this has expanded employment opportunities for young people while addressing labour market demands.
He observed that the project was intentionally implemented in sub-counties with high incidences of gender-based violence and noted that the district has witnessed a significant reduction in GBV cases since the programme began.
Mr. Kalya encouraged the beneficiaries to make productive use of the start-up kits and work closely with their respective Sub-county Community Development Officers to form groups that can access government development programmes and other economic opportunities.
The Resident District Commissioner for Kyegegwa District, Col. Alex Bright Nzirimu, who officiated as the Chief Guest, applauded URDT Institute for complementing government efforts to address youth unemployment through practical skills development.
He urged the beneficiaries to focus on creating employment opportunities and wealth through the skills they have acquired rather than waiting for formal employment.
Col. Nzirimu reaffirmed the district’s commitment to supporting URDT Institute and the young entrepreneurs, encouraging the beneficiaries to use the start-up kits responsibly to transform their lives and improve the well-being of their families.
He also encouraged the youth to take advantage of existing government programmes, including the Youth Livelihood Programme (YLP), Parish Development Model (PDM), Emyooga, GROW, and the Uganda Women Entrepreneurship Programme (UWEP), to expand their businesses and improve their economic prospects.
The start-up kit distribution highlights URDT Institute’s commitment to empowering vulnerable young people with practical skills, entrepreneurial mindsets, and the tools required to build dignified livelihoods. Through strong partnerships with government and development partners, the Institute continues to contribute to reducing unemployment, promoting gender equality, and advancing inclusive socio-economic development in Kyegegwa District.
