Alex Tumukunde, a 25-year-old agricultural scientist, graduated from Makerere University in 2024 with a Bachelor of Science degree. Right after graduation, he stumbled upon the Work Readiness Programme (WRP) through a link sent to him on WhatsApp. “Although it sounded like a fraud, having been sent through WhatsApp, I decided to take a chance and apply,” Alex recalls.

He was drawn to the programme because it targeted sectors like agro-processing, which matched his field of study, giving him hope that he would be a good fit.   Now, Alex works as a Dairy Development Executive at Pearl Dairy Farm, where he has been for the past three months.

His role is similar to that of an extension worker. He collaborates with farmers who supply milk, providing them with agricultural extension services and guiding them on how to mechanize their farms to increase the quantity and quality of their milk. Part of his job is also to mobilize more farmers to supply milk to the company and encourage them to take on projects that improve their farms.

Pearl Dairies also offers loans to farmers, which can be repaid in milk, and Alex helps explain these opportunities to the farmers.   In his short time at Pear Dairies, Alex has recruited two new farmers to supply milk and convinced one farmer to take up a loan. He’s proud of maintaining the farmers who were already partnering with the company when he joined, all thanks to the skills and confidence he’s built along the way.   University taught Alex a lot of theory, but there weren’t enough practical lessons, leaving him with low confidence when he first joined the company.

“Since joining the WRP, I have become more hands-on, dealing directly with farmers in areas like feed formulation, silage making, animal handling, and training on cost-benefit analysis,” he says.

His interpersonal skills have also grown, thanks to his frequent interactions with farmers. Alex is willing to embrace opportunities, even if they come from unexpected places. He didn’t hesitate to move from Kampala to Mbarara for the job, believing that a breakthrough can happen anywhere. He feels that many young people miss out on such chances due to their reluctance to work outside the city. “It’s their poor attitude,” he says about those who turned down jobs outside Kampala.

When asked if he would recommend the WRP to other graduates, Alex responds enthusiastically: “Absolutely, because this programme is magic for the graduates.” He hopes that more graduates will join, even if they are not retained in their roles; the experience alone makes them more competitive for future jobs.

For Alex, the biggest takeaway from the Work Readiness Programme is simple: “Hands-on.” The practical experience has transformed his confidence, skills, and career outlook, showing the true impact of turning education into real-world action.