Meet Kato Tumusime, a 25-year-old agronomist with a passion for agriculture. Working with Ankole Coffee Producers’ Cooperative Union (ACPCU) in Kabwohe, he spends his days supporting coffee farmers in Mbarara as part of the Rwampara Growers Cooperative. But Kato’s journey to this point wasn’t easy.

After graduating in March 2023 with a degree in Agri-Business Management and Community Development, Kato faced a tough job market. “Looking for a job had become a job itself,” he recalls. Employers often preferred diploma holders over graduates, making it hard for Kato to get his foot in the door. But things changed when a friend shared a link on WhatsApp for the Work Readiness Programme (WRP), implemented by Enabel and PSFU. “Once I landed on the link, I applied to join the WRP,” Kato says. Despite the long application process, he was determined and kept checking his email daily, hoping for good news. His perseverance paid off when he was offered a role at ACPCU.

In his role, Kato inspects coffee farms, registers farmers using online tools, and guides them on maintaining organic control to produce high-quality coffee. He also educates farmers about proper post-harvest handling and ensures that they comply with fair trade standards. Kato faces challenges, from convincing farmers of ACPCU’s credibility to navigating tough terrains. “Some of the trainees gave up, but I am not going to give up because I have a goal,” he says.

Despite the hurdles, Kato’s confidence has soared since joining the WRP. “I have to up my game because some farmers are even more knowledgeable than me,” he admits. Learning from farmers, supervisors, and regular trainings keeps him motivated. With the support he’s received, Kato has even started saving money. He used his salary to launch a poultry farm with 40 layers and bought a motorcycle, which brings in daily income as a boda boda.

Kato is grateful to Enabel and PSFU for providing safety gear, which makes his work safer and easier, especially in remote areas. “I recommend this programme to other graduates because it is the best,” he says. “Even if you are just shortlisted for a job and not offered, it still gives graduates hope that they can get a job one day.”