Uganda Breweries Limited (UBL) has graduated 100 young adults from its Learning for Life hospitality and entrepreneurship programme, equipping them with practical skills to enhance their employability in Uganda’s growing hospitality sector.
The graduates completed a three-day intensive training programme held at Crested Crane Hotel in Jinja. The initiative forms part of UBL’s commitment to train more than 300 young Ugandans during the current financial year.
The Learning for Life programme targets young people who face barriers to education and employment, providing them with certified technical and life skills aimed at improving access to sustainable careers in hospitality.
Speaking during the graduation ceremony, UBL Corporate Affairs Director Sheila Sabune said the programme is designed to help bridge the gap between potential and opportunity among Uganda’s youth.
“Uganda’s young people have immense potential, but many lack access to practical skills and opportunities. Through Learning for Life, we are helping bridge that gap by equipping young adults with technical knowledge and an entrepreneurial mindset that will support a sustainable livelihood,” Sabune said.
During the training, participants received instruction in key hospitality competencies, including customer service, bar operations, responsible service practices, health and safety, communication, financial literacy, leadership, and workplace readiness.
The programme was structured to strengthen both technical skills and entrepreneurial thinking, enabling participants to compete effectively in the labour market.
Speaking on behalf of the graduates, Kulijo Frank described the certification as a life-changing opportunity.
“This certificate changes absolutely everything for me. It is the bridge between just surviving and actually thriving. I am so grateful to UBL for this opportunity because today, I leave feeling more confident and hopeful about my future,” he said.
The final day of training featured a competitive showcase and certificate awards ceremony, recognizing outstanding participants in categories such as Leadership Excellence, Top Mixology Skills, and Best Team Player.
Graduates also participated in speed-matching sessions with hospitality employers, creating direct opportunities for internships, work experience placements, and potential employment.
Richard Kawere, Principal of the Uganda Hotel and Tourism Training Institute, commended the initiative, noting that practical industry-focused training is critical in aligning workforce skills with market demands.
He said such collaborative programmes contribute to raising professional standards within Uganda’s hospitality and tourism sector.
Learning for Life is UBL’s flagship hospitality and business skills programme aimed at improving employability among marginalized groups.
Implemented in partnership with Enterprise Uganda and EXP, the initiative combines life skills development with hands-on hospitality training.
UBL says the programme is intended to equip participants with the confidence, technical knowledge and workplace readiness required to succeed in the hospitality industry while contributing to the development of a more skilled and diverse workforce.
