Ten young Ugandan business leaders have been awarded $30,000 (approximately Shs115 million) in initial financial support through a United Nations-supported startup incubation initiative aimed at tackling youth unemployment and unstable migration patterns.
Each of the winners was awarded as much as Shs11.55 million to launch or grow their businesses.
The honors, presented during an event in Kampala, are part of the International Organization for Migration's (IOM) Youth Business Incubator (YBI) program, which is backed by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).
Uganda is experiencing one of the highest rates of population growth among young people in Africa, with more than 70% of its people being under 30. Every year, over 700,000 young individuals join the workforce, but there are less than 240,000 job opportunities available.
"Overall unemployment acts as a trigger for various other issues, such as rising crime rates and unstable migration patterns. The IOM is making every effort to tackle this," stated Leonard Zulu, the UN Resident Coordinator in Uganda.
Zulu commended the effort aimed at young individuals leaving education. "Although there are numerous such initiatives supporting youth, very few concentrate on those who are about to graduate or have recently completed tertiary studies," he mentioned.
He called on both the winners and the applicants: "To the award recipients, I urge you to use the money for its designated purpose. To those who didn't win, don't lose heart, each person involved here is dedicated to helping you achieve your aspirations."
"President H.E has repeatedly launched programs to tackle this issue, but further action is required," stated Esther Davinia Anyakun, the Minister of State for Labour, Employment, and Industrial Relations.
She mentioned that only ten young people were awarded, while others required assistance.
Anyakun addressed the champions: "Opportunity typically arrives only once. Make the most of this chance. Remain committed to the strategy and put in more effort. It's your moment now."
The Young Entrepreneurs Incubator, introduced in March 2024, provides Ugandan youth—particularly those from Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) schools—with business skills as a viable option to unstable migration.
"Our work is driven by the belief that every young person deserves the opportunity to thrive, whether they choose to pursue opportunities locally or abroad," said IOM Uganda's Chief of Mission, Sanusi Tejan Savage.
"We continue to focus on encouraging safe, organized, and well-informed movement of workers, and tackling the underlying reasons for unauthorized migration through investments in young people's business ventures, training, and economic strength," he added.
The initiative garnered 1,039 submissions from five regions: Mbale, Kyenjojo, Bushenyi, Wakiso, and Arua. Following training and an intense selection procedure, 26 participants presented their concepts to a panel comprising specialists from the banking industry, civil society, and the private sector.
The top ten received financial grants to establish their businesses, restock inventory, and start functioning. Payments will occur in two stages, along with ongoing guidance.
"The entrepreneurs will also benefit from ongoing monitoring, guidance, and support provided by the IOM team to ensure effective execution," stated program coordinator Lambert Buzaare.
The Youth Business Incubator is a component of IOM's Better Regional Migration Management (BRMM) initiative, operating across eight East African nations. The objective is to provide viable options for migration by developing opportunities within the region.
"By providing our young people with hands-on business skills, guidance, and access to support, we are tackling one of the main reasons behind irregular migration: the absence of stable economic prospects in their own countries," Savage stated.
Uganda's young population, combined with insufficient job opportunities, has made numerous individuals susceptible to dangerous migration paths. Those who migrate without proper documentation frequently encounter exploitation, hazardous work environments, and violations of their fundamental rights in foreign countries.
Attendees at the event shared hope that specific programs might lower these dangers. "Let's stand by them together," remarked Zulu.
As Anyakun stated: "If every young person who received an award can hire at least three people, that would mean 30 more young individuals securing a means of living. Let's consider this."
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Tagged: Uganda, International Organizations and Africa, Migration, East Africa, External Relations
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