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The Northern Uganda Women’s Network for Business Development (NUWEBIZ) Foundation has successfully supported 200 talented young women in Lira City to start their own businesses in salons and tailoring. Three recipients from each of Lira City’s 49 parishes were selected for this initiative, which is a part of the Enterprising Women and Youth Project, backed by the National Council for Women and the Ministry of Gender.

200 young women with talents in salons and tailoring have got help to start their own enterprises. Three recipients per parish out of Lira City’s 49 parishes were chosen for these women. The project, run by the Northern Uganda Women’s Network for Business Development (NUWEBIZ) Foundation, is a part of the Enterprising Women and Youth Project and has the backing of both the National Council for Women and the Ministry of Gender.

By providing young people with the tools they need for self-employment, the project seeks to solve the challenge of youth unemployment. Two different sorts of groups have been developed by the foundation to assist young businesspeople. Thirty young women will make up the initial group, which will receive five sewing machines, clothing, a workspace, and a mentor.

Five women will make up the second group, which will receive salon supplies like hair dryers, chemicals, sinks, a workstation, and a mentor. Many of the beneficiaries of earlier youth skilling programmes launched by the Ugandan government and other development agencies have found it extremely difficult to get started because of a lack of startup money.

Therefore, NUWEBIZ Foundation’s initiative to fill this gap and equip these young women for success strives to give starting funding as well as required tools, workspaces, and business skills. According to Sharon Okello Nagenjwa, Executive Director of NUWEBIZ Foundation, they will continue to assist and counsel the recipients for a full year in order to ensure a smooth transition into their business endeavours.

Additionally, the foundation plans to partner with established businesses, including Stanbic Bank and NSSF, to mentor these young entrepreneurs and provide them with guidance on financial literacy and tax-related matters.

In 2022, Uganda had a high unemployment rate standing at 4.30 percent with the women’s unemployment rate standing at 4.86 percent. Shakila Among, the Deputy Speaker of Lira City and the female youth councillor, advised the youth to execute one business idea wholeheartedly to achieve success.

She advised that while NUWEBIZ Foundation’s current project targets young women, the need for similar opportunities for young men should also be recognized and addressed in comprehensive youth skilling and employment programs.

Brenda Apio, one of the beneficiaries from Lira City East Division who received tailoring equipment, expressed her excitement and gratitude for the donation. Having completed her tailoring course three years ago, Opio had remained unemployed due to a lack of equipment.