Youth Leader Launches Skills Program to Tackle Joblessness in Rujumbura

Rukungiri: Over 400 people have been equipped with practical skills to help them start income-generating activities and move away from the long wait for office jobs often promised by politicians.

The training was spearheaded by Counsel Stephen Tumuhimbise Ndyanabangi, the youth representative in the Rukungiri District Council and aspiring Member of Parliament for Rujumbura constituency.

The beneficiaries included men, women, and youth who were trained in making bar soap, liquid soap, shampoo, jelly, and other household products. The training took place on May 3, at Katurika Church of Uganda playground, located in Karisizo Parish, Buhunga Sub-county, Rukungiri District.

Counsel Tumuhimbise also organized additional activities, including athletics for older women and football matches between Buhunga Select and Bungangari Select for both girls and boys.

In an interview with our news reporter, Tumuhimbise said he introduced the program after realizing that many political leaders make promises to fight unemployment but fail to deliver once elected. He said this initiative offers a permanent solution, empowering people to earn a living rather than relying on political promises.

Tumuhimbise added that helping people find productive work reduces crime and drug abuse, especially among youth, because they become too engaged in meaningful activities to fall into harmful behavior.

He pledged to provide startup materials to the trained groups and revealed plans to expand the program to all areas of Rujumbura constituency.

CUE IN…TUMUHIMBISE // RR // ENG

The chief trainer, Alphred Tumwine, expressed confidence that the skills provided would help people earn a steady income, especially since products like soap and jelly are in daily demand and have a ready market. He noted that most participants were women.

Some of the beneficiaries, including Daphine Atukwasa from Rutooma Kyibirizi, Bonney Amumpeire from Kanyondo Cell in Bwanda Parish, Abias Tumuhimbise, and Dorothy Nkabangine (commonly known as Mukyara Mugabe) from Kashenyi Village, thanked Counsel Tumuhimbise for the opportunity. They said the skills would help them pay school fees, settle debts, and support household needs.

Counsel Tumuhimbise was accompanied by a legal team that also educated the community about their rights and the law.