To tackle youth unemployment and address the high dropout rates in Samia Bugwe North, Busia District, a group of ten enterprising youths under the “Busia North Empowerment Group” has established a community-driven tertiary institution.
The initiative, which aims to empower young people with vocational skills, was officially launched at Busibembe Primary School grounds by the district Chairperson, Stephen Wasike Mugeni.
The group, chaired by Agriam Okumu, has set up three key centers across the constituency: a garage for motorcycle repair at Muwayo Trading Center, a welding workshop at Sawiriako Center in Buyanga Sub-county, and salon and tailoring training facilities at Buhobi Trading Center.
These facilities serve as hubs for skilling youths in trades like tailoring, welding, and salon management, with over 300 individuals currently enrolled in the program.
Speaking during the launch, Agriam Okumu, the group Chairperson, highlighted the urgent need for such initiatives in the area.
“When you move through this constituency, it’s difficult to find even ten youths with degrees. This inspired us to form this group to provide practical skills to those who have dropped out of school,” he explained.
Andrew Bwire, the founder of the group, called on the government to provide financial assistance to expand the program and cater to the growing number of beneficiaries.
“We need about Shs1.5 billion to expand our workshops and empower more young people. This is the only way to secure a better future for them,” Bwire said.
After the launch, Busia District Chairperson Stephen Wasike Mugeni praised the group for their initiative and pledged district support.
“Despite being perceived as one of the poorest districts, we are blessed with resources like gold. Starting next year, investors will begin drilling up to three tons of gold annually, generating nearly one billion dollars. Part of this revenue will go towards supporting initiatives like yours,” Mugeni revealed.
The Busia North Empowerment Group seeks to uplift the livelihoods of women, youth, and vulnerable groups in Samia Bugwe North by providing them with vocational skills, entrepreneurship training, and access to financial services.
With the district’s youth population constituting over half of its total 400,000 residents, the initiative is poised to play a transformative role in fostering economic empowerment and reducing unemployment.
As the group continues to source funds, they remain hopeful that with the necessary support, they can expand their reach and create a lasting impact in the community.
