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Strengthening local capacity and human rights governance in Uganda’s mining sector
John CANDIGA | 12/12/2025
The Orom-Cross Graphite Project, in Kitgum District, is emerging as one of Uganda’s most strategic mineral developments. Developed by Blencowe Resources, the project is expected to commence full operations in 2026 and will run for an estimated 14 years.The phased production plan of the project positions the mine as a significant contributor to both local and national economic growth. Under Phase 1, the project will produce 5,000 metric tons of graphite concentrate annually. Output is projected to increase significantly to 100,000 tons by Phase 3, supported by the introduction of a refinery in Phase 2 that will process up to 20 percent of the mined graphite into high-purity, battery-grade products for global markets. The developments signal Uganda’s growing role in the critical minerals value chain, particularly in industries that support the global energy transition.Financially, the project is anticipated to generate between 1–2 million US Dollars in annual royalties and an additional 2 million US Dollars in surface rights payments. Employment is also expected to rise, with 50 to 200 jobs projected in the early stages of operation.While these revenues and employment prospects offer transformative potential for Orom East Sub-County and Kitgum District, realising inclusive benefits will require deliberate planning, strengthened institutional capacity, and community empowerment. Without these enablers, local communities risk missing out on the socio-economic opportunities associated with industrial-scale mining.Enabel, through the Advancing Respect for Human Rights by Businesses in Uganda project, will participate in enhancing efforts to build robust governance, financial, and technical capacities within local institutions and communities.This intervention aligns with Uganda’s Agriculture–Tourism–Mining (ATM) policy, which promotes responsible resource management and equitable development within extractive-industry host communities.To reinforce local ownership and legitimacy from the onset, Enabel is working closely with the Ministry of Local Government and Kitgum District Local Government. A kick-off meeting held in Kitgum district brought together diverse stakeholders to promote evidence-driven planning and inclusive engagement.The one-day event convened 54 participants, including political and technical leaders from Kitgum district and Orom East Sub-County, representatives from the Ministry of Local Government and the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, cultural leaders, the host community land association, Consolidated African Resources Limited, the implementing company for the Orom-Cross Graphite Project, civil society organisations, the media, and Enabel’s implementing partner, Africa Centre for Energy and Mineral Policy (ACEMP).The Orom-Cross Graphite Project presents an opportunity for Kitgum District and for Uganda’s broader ambitions in the mining sector. Its long-term success, however, depends on ensuring that mineral development respects human rights, promotes transparency, strengthens community participation, and protects the environment.These priorities are consistent with Uganda’s National Action Plan for Business and Human Rights, which emphasises due diligence, community empowerment, accountable governance, and equitable benefit-sharing in extractive industries to drive economic growth and inclusive development.
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Promoting responsible operations in Uganda’s Energy Sector
John CANDIGA | 12/12/2025
Enabel in Uganda and the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) Limited have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen cooperation in promoting Business and Human Rights principles within Uganda’s energy sector.The agreement reaffirms the shared commitment of both institutions to ensuring that energy and infrastructure development is undertaken in a manner that prioritises human rights, social inclusion, and sustainable development.The partnership will support responsible business conduct, enhance capacity building on human rights due diligence, and promote alignment of private sector operations with Uganda’s 2021 National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights (NAP-BHR).Speaking at the signing ceremony, EACOP’s Deputy Managing Director, John Bosco Habumugisha, underscored the vital role of corporate leadership in advancing responsible development.“EACOP is committed to delivering the pipeline project responsibly, ensuring that growth, inclusivity, and human rights go hand in hand. This partnership with Enabel marks a significant milestone in ensuring that business expansion and respect for human rights move together,” he said.The Country Director, Enabel in Uganda, Nicolas Oebel, highlighted that the collaboration is anchored within the European Union-funded Advancing Respect for Human Rights by Businesses in Uganda (ARBHR) Project, co-implemented by Enabel and the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development.“Enabel is proud to collaborate with EACOP, a leading private sector actor, to translate the National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights into concrete actions that safeguard rights and foster sustainable investment,” he noted.Representing the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, Lydia Nabiryo, Principal Social Development Officer/Human Rights, said the MoU is a key step in strengthening human rights standards in Uganda’s oil and gas sector.“The collaboration will extend Business and Human Rights capacity-building efforts to Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) within EACOP’s supply chain, supporting responsible sourcing and contributing to national content development,” she said.The Advancing Respect for Human Rights by Businesses in Uganda Project facilitates implementation of the 2021 National Action Plan and works to reduce human rights abuses associated with business operations in Uganda. It focuses on five priority sectors: sugarcane, floriculture, mining, oil and gas, and fisheries.The East African Crude Oil Pipeline is a 1,443km export infrastructure system designed to transport Uganda’s crude oil from Kabaale in Hoima District to the Chongoleani Peninsula near Tanga in Tanzania for export to the international market.The project comprises 296km of pipeline in Uganda and 1,147km in Tanzania, along with six pumping stations, two pressure-reduction stations, and a marine export terminal in Tanzania.
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Aligning Uganda’s National Action for Business and Human Rights with regional and continental standards
John CANDIGA | 12/12/2025
Africa’s regulatory landscape is rapidly evolving. Regional and national frameworks continue to expand with guidance from instruments such as the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs), the African Union (AU) Agenda 2063, the AU Draft Policy Framework on Business and Human Rights, and the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights (ACHPR) resolutions.Businesses are being increasingly called upon to adopt responsible, rights-respecting, and sustainable practices, reflecting a growing commitment to stronger governance, greater transparency, and alignment with international human rights and environmental standards.The 04th Africa Business and Human Rights Forum, held from 07th – 09th October 2025 in Lusaka, Zambia, advanced this momentum by shifting the continental conversation from intention to implementation. Under the theme: “From commitment to action: Advancing remedy, reparations and responsible business conduct in Africa,” the forum emphasised turning policy commitments into concrete measures, particularly around access to remedy, reparations, and corporate accountability.The event brought together over 600 participants from more than 75 countries, including 39 African states. Government representatives, National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs), civil society organisations, private sector actors, labour groups, rights holders, and international organisations.Delivered as a hybrid event, the forum broadened participation and offered a vital platform for accelerating implementation, sharing regional experiences, and identifying practical pathways to embed human rights in Africa’s business ecosystems.Speaking on behalf of His Excellency Ambassador, Bankole Adeoye, the African Union’s Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Mr. Issaka Garba Abdou, reaffirmed the African Union Commission’s commitment to working with Member States, NHRIs, civil society, the private sector, and development partners to: Strengthen legislative and policy frameworks to guarantee access to remedy and reparations Institutionalise human rights due diligence within national and regional business environments Embed responsible business conduct within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) trade and investment frameworks Enhance State and non-State grievance mechanisms, including NHRIs and corporate operational-level systems During the Forum, Enabel Business and Human Rights Expert, Lucy Peace Nantume, moderated a session on the role of multi-stakeholder engagement in developing and implementing National Action Plans on Business and Human Rights (NAPs). The session spotlighted experiences from Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania, demonstrating collective progress and the value of cross-country learning. As Uganda advances the implementation of its National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights and continues efforts under the Advancing Respect for Human Rights by Businesses in Uganda project, the lessons from the 04th African Union Business and Human Rights Forum reinforce national priorities.Strengthening access to remedy, institutionalising human rights due diligence, and promoting responsible business conduct are not only continental aspirations, but also central to Uganda’s commitment to building an inclusive, fair, and sustainable economy where businesses respect and uphold human rights.
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Showcasing innovation, skills, and responsible business in Uganda
John CANDIGA | 12/12/2025
The 31st Uganda International Trade Fair, hosted by Uganda Manufacturers Association (UMA) marked an important milestone for Uganda’s manufacturing and industrial sectors. Held at the UMA Showgrounds in Kampala, the event ran under the theme “Sustainable industrialisation for inclusive growth, employment, and wealth creation.”The international trade was officially opened by the Minister of Finance, Hon. Matia Kasaija, who made a strong national call to nurture start-ups and support homegrown innovations. Kasaija’s remarks aligned with UMA’s renewed strategy: moving beyond traditional factory displays to position the trade fair as a dynamic platform for SMEs, entrepreneurs, and skilling institutions.In line with the Buy Uganda, Build Uganda (BUBU) policy, UMA also unveiled a Made-in-Uganda supermarket to showcase exclusively local products. The initiative aims to counter negative perceptions about Ugandan-made goods and strengthen direct engagement between producers and consumers. The initiative allowed innovators to receive instant feedback, raise consumer confidence, and build stronger commercial networks.The UMA international trade fair also provided a platform for Enabel and partners to engage youth, employers, and businesses through three core thematic areas: the Work Readiness Programme, Business and Human Rights, and Decent Work and Social Protection.Through the WeWork-green and decent jobs for youth project and the Decent Work and Social Protection Project, implemented in partnership with the Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU) and the Federation of Uganda Employers (FUE), Enabel is facilitating the transition of 1,800 young graduates into the labour market.Key activities showcased at the fair included: soft skills and work readiness training, employer registration and profiling, jobseeker registration, and skills matching.Under the Business and Human Rights thematic area, Enabel promoted responsible and ethical business conduct through daily awareness sessions with business owners and managers. Sessions included Key steps for companies to respect human rights, addressing emerging human rights concerns in Uganda, and the role of the private sector in eliminating child labour.Enabel also used the platform to raise awareness on decent work best practices. This was under the decent work and social protection thematic area aimed at preventing and responding to gender-based violence (GBV) in workplaces, and strengthening employer systems for fair, safe, and inclusive employment.Enabel and partners in honey, cocoa, coffee, and vanilla engaged in business-to-business (B2B) meetings with local and international buyers to form new partnerships. The engagements were crucial for promoting access to new markets, understanding certification requirements, and exploring fair-trade opportunities.The 2025 Uganda International Trade Fair demonstrated how industry, government, and development partners work together. Enabel’s engagement through the Work Readiness Programme, Business and Human Rights, and the Decent Work and Social Protection projects ensures that Uganda’s industrial growth is matched with inclusive employment, ethical business conduct, and stronger labour protections.By equipping young graduates with skills, guiding employers to respect human rights, and promoting safer workplaces across sectors, the fair was a catalyst for decent jobs, responsible business practices, and sustainable economic transformation.
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Stakeholders call for standardised Workers’ Compensation in Uganda
John CANDIGA | 12/12/2025
Uganda’s Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, in partnership with Enabel in Uganda, convened the country’s first-ever Hybrid Workers’ Compensation Conference, an important step toward strengthening social protection and workplace safety.The event brought together government officials, private sector leaders, and civil society actors to discuss how to build a more efficient, fair, and accessible workers’ compensation framework for all Ugandan workers. Speaking at the conference held at Fairway Hotel, Mr. Alex Asiimwe, Commissioner for Labour, Industrial Relations and Productivity, noted that workplace accidents were once viewed as unavoidable.“Today, we understand that such incidents are preventable through improved working conditions, effective compensation mechanisms, and adequate insurance coverage. As a Ministry, we greatly appreciate such dialogues,” he said. Reinforcing this message, Mr. Onzoma Apollo, Assistant Commissioner for Industrial Relations, reminded employers of their legal duty to cover all costs related to treatment, upkeep, and disability resulting from workplace injuries.He urged workers to report incidents promptly, explaining that timely reporting ensures proper medical attention and enables the Ministry to monitor safety trends and enforce workplace standards. Delivering the keynote address, Mr. Simon Kintu Zirintusa, Registrar of the High Court Civil Division, called for more robust collaboration between the Judiciary and the Ministry to simplify Uganda’s compensation claims process. He highlighted that many workers remain unaware of their rights and are left vulnerable when accidents occur.“Many workers don’t know they are actually entitled to compensation,” he said, stressing the need for more public awareness and a more user-friendly claims system. Zirintusa also underscored the legal obligations placed on employers. Section 13 of the Occupational Safety and Health Act mandates employers to protect workers from preventable harm, while the Workers’ Compensation Act requires both government and private sector employers to compensate workers who suffer injury, illness, or death in the course of employment.Under Section 18, employers are further required to insure themselves against liabilities arising from workplace accidents.To strengthen the system, the keynote speaker proposed several reforms, including: Standardised, easy-to-use claim forms accessible at magistrates’ courts Specific court rules to streamline compensation case handling Training of magistrates through the Judicial Training Institute Increased use of mediation to resolve disputes efficiently and amicably Enhanced cooperation between the Judiciary and the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social DevelopmentThese recommendations, he said, would help ensure that workers receive fair compensation without facing unnecessary delays or legal complexities. The conference marked a significant step in Uganda’s ongoing efforts to create safer, fairer, and more resilient workplaces.Through the Decent Work and Social Protection Project, Enabel and the Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development continue to champion reforms that strengthen workplace rights, improve access to justice, and enhance employer accountability.Standardising the workers’ compensation process is not just a legal necessity; it is a vital part of building a labour market where every worker is valued, protected, and empowered. By improving the compensation framework, Uganda moves closer to realising the vision of decent work for all.
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Celebrating champions of safer and more inclusive workplaces in Uganda
John CANDIGA | 12/12/2025
Organisations and individuals at the forefront of promoting safer, fairer, and more inclusive workplaces were honoured at the Employer Awards ceremony held at Nyaika Hotel in Fort Portal.The event, organised by the Uganda Association of Women Lawyers (FIDA-Uganda) in partnership with Enabel, highlighted progress made under the Workplace Safety Initiative, a programme aimed at eliminating gender-based discrimination and violence in the world of work.In her remarks, FIDA-Uganda Chief Executive Officer, Adriko Lillian, applauded employers for embracing change and prioritising workers’ rights. She noted that through the initiative, FIDA-Uganda has trained over 299 employers and 2,104 employees, equipping them with tools to promote dignity and equality at work.“I am pleased to note that 35 entities completed comprehensive self-assessments, enabling them to strengthen internal systems for addressing Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and promoting gender equality,” Lilian said. As a result of these trainings, institutions have adopted several transformative practices. These include the introduction of sexual harassment policies, confidential reporting mechanisms, appointment of gender focal persons, and the integration of gender-sensitive procedures in recruitment and disciplinary processes.FIDA-Uganda has also provided legal aid to 1,822 workers, empowering them to speak up and defend their rights. Broader community engagements led by cultural and religious leaders have reached more than 270 people, sparking dialogue and shifting harmful social norms that perpetuate workplace violence. Speaking on behalf of Enabel in Uganda, Bonny Ssekiwanda, the Country Grants Coordinator, emphasised the initiative’s goal of fostering dignified workplaces, particularly for women and young people.“We want employers to move from policy statements to real action, including reviewing contracts, integrating clauses on sexual harassment, and establishing safe reporting channels that promote decent work,” he said. “It is encouraging to see some employers already implementing these changes.” Echoing this progress, Faith Chagara, Monitoring and Evaluation Officer at FIDA-Uganda, noted that 13 businesses now have clear reporting channels for gender-based violence, while 18 have developed ethical codes of conduct, signalling a shift from awareness to meaningful action. The ceremony recognised outstanding institutions and individuals demonstrating leadership in championing safe, equitable, and dignified workplaces. Top awardees included: Asobola Community Development (ASCODE) Nyaika Hotel D’Venue Hotel – Masindi Bigodi Training and Common Facility Centre (BTCFC) Additional organisations and individuals acknowledged for their contributions were: Kolping Hotel Masindi, Sulaiman Barongo, Bwijanga Coffee Cooperative Association, Mountains of the Moon Hotel, Vizitaz Home Hotel, Pamela Restaurant, Birunji Sewante, Kabonero Agetereine Catering Services, Bigodi Community Walking Safaris, Kato Francis, Duchess Hotel, Kyakakwanzi Catering Services, and Trek Rwenzori Tours.Through the partnership with FIDA-Uganda under the Decent Work and Social Protection Project, Enabel is working towards creating safer, fairer, and more dignified work environments, particularly across the agriculture, tourism, and hospitality sectors in the Albertine and Rwenzori regions of Uganda.Through the workplace safety initiative and collaboration with the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, and the Technical Working Group, labour inspections have been boosted, labour officers have been provided with tools and inspection permits, and workplaces have been encouraged to display sexual harassment notices, referral pathways, and uphold proper contract and compensation practices.
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Uganda honours tourism sustainability champions at the Ekkula Festival and Awards
John CANDIGA | 12/12/2025
Uganda’s commitment to responsible tourism took centre stage at the Ekkula Sustainable Tourism Awards, an event dedicated to recognising individuals, organisations, and initiatives advancing sustainability, innovation, and community empowerment within the tourism sector.The ceremony offered a valuable platform for travellers, operators, and industry stakeholders to celebrate Uganda’s rich cultural heritage and its growing promise in sustainable tourism. Held ahead of a three-day festival, the awards brought together government leaders, private sector representatives, conservationists, creatives, youth advocates, and development partners to celebrate responsible and community-driven tourism.Bismac Moses Amumpaire, Executive Director of the Africa Tourism and Environment Initiatives (ATEI) and the visionary behind the festival, emphasised that the future of Uganda’s tourism and hospitality industry relies on sustainability, conservation, and cultural preservation. “Ekkula has evolved into a platform steering the industry towards tourism driven by purpose, responsibility, and community value,” he noted.Representing Enabel in Uganda, Joseph Byabazaire, Decent Work Expert under the Decent Work and Social Protection Project, highlighted the importance of continued collaboration across the sector. He reaffirmed Enabel’s commitment to capacity building, innovation, and strengthening community-based tourism enterprises.Nominees across the 25 award categories underwent a rigorous evaluation process, consisting of a 70% technical jury assessment and 30% public and stakeholder voting. This balanced approach ensured fairness, credibility, and broad industry engagement.Enabel in Uganda presented two special awards: Inclusive Tourism Champion Award, celebrating exceptional efforts to create accessible tourism experiences for all travellers and workers, including persons with disabilities and underserved communities.Sustainable Tourism Journalist of the Year Award, honouring journalists whose compelling storytelling promotes responsible, environmentally conscious, and community-centred tourism.Enabel was also recognised as a transformational partner in advancing sustainable tourism development. Other notable award recipients included: Nature-Based Solutions and Rwenzori Coffee House Experience – Nature-Based Tourism Experience Award Chefs Union Uganda/East African Culinary Fusion – Culinary Tourism Excellence Award Tusker Lite Rwenzori Marathon – Sustainable Tourism Event of the Year Brussels Airlines – Best Sustainable Airline, Economy Class Tabebuia Spa and Safari Resort – Sustainable Eco Lodge of the Year Emburara Farm Lodge – Agro-Tourism Eco Lodge of the Year The festival also unveiled several key national attractions, including the Official Seven Wonders of Kampala, an initiative celebrating iconic landmarks that embody the city’s cultural, historical, and spiritual identity. In addition, Uganda’s first tourism anthem, “Uganda Ekkula,” was launched as an artistic tribute to the nation’s natural beauty and cultural vibrancy.Hosted at the Sheraton Hotel in Kampala, the Ekkula Sustainable Tourism Festival and Awards honoured excellence across hospitality, conservation, culture, adventure, tour operations, aviation, youth innovation, and community-based tourism, bringing together the champions shaping a more inclusive, responsible, and sustainable future for Uganda’s tourism industry.
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Team Building Enabel Mauritanie – Une journée pour se reconnecter, se renforcer et avancer ensemble
Aminata KANE | 12/12/2025
Le jeudi 11 décembre 2025, l’équipe d’Enabel Mauritanie s’est réunie au Mirador pour une journée exceptionnelle de cohésion et de renforcement des liens professionnels. Animée par le cabinet Nouvelle Vision, cette retraite collective a permis de souffler, de se reconnecter et de redynamiser l’esprit d’équipe.Au cœur de cette journée :des activités dynamiques pour fluidifier la communication et renforcer la cohésion ;des moments de détente pour rire, respirer et se découvrir autrement ;la valorisation des forces individuelles et collectives dans un cadre naturel inspirant : plage, air libre, horizon ouvert.Matin – Énergie et esprit d’équipeDès 8h30, un Icebreaker a lancé la journée dans la bonne humeur.Les activités sur la plage ont ensuite pris le relais : défis sportifs, réflexion en équipe, fous rires et entraide… un concentré d’esprit d’équipe.Après-midi – Valeurs, créativité et détenteLa suite de la journée a mis l’accent sur les valeurs professionnelles à travers divers jeux et activités créatives : peinture, dictées géométriques, fresque…La Fresque des souvenirs restera un moment fort : un tableau collectif qui capture les meilleurs instants partagés.Soirée – Convivialité et célébrationEn fin de journée, un buffet-barbecue, accompagné de musique acoustique et de danse, est venu prolonger la convivialité et les échanges.Une journée qui nous rassemble et nous inspireCe team building a rappelé combien la force d’Enabel Mauritanie réside dans son équipe : engagée, soudée et motivée. Un moment de pause, de partage et d’énergie qui nous accompagnera dans nos missions à venir.
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Enabel et le projet SYSALIM : un appui stratégique pour la filière lait en Mauritanie
Aminata KANE | 11/12/2025
Financé par l'Union européenne, le projet SYSALIM d'Enabel accompagne la Mauritanie pour structurer des systèmes alimentaires durables. La filière lait, pilier de l'économie pastorale du Hodh El Garbi et du Guidimakha, est au cœur de cette action pour renforcer la résilience des ménages.Un Cadre de Concertation réactivéPour optimiser l'organisation et la coordination de cette chaîne de valeur stratégique, Enabel a ciblé le Cadre de Concertation Régional de la Filière Lait. Jugé peu fonctionnel (réunions irrégulières, manque de transparence et d'un plan d'actions concerté), ce dispositif essentiel a été relancé.Une mission participative a permis de :Réaliser un diagnostic des acteurs et des contraintes.Actualiser la cartographie des parties prenantes.Réorganiser la structure (nouvelle présidence, secrétariat technique, commissions).Co-construire un Plan d'action et un calendrier de travail partagé.Cette démarche a permis de restaurer la collaboration et d'installer un cadre de gouvernance plus clair et durableentre les acteurs publics, privés et communautaires.Impact : Vers des systèmes plus résilientsEn renforçant la gouvernance territoriale de cette chaîne de valeur, SYSALIM contribue directement à :Soutenir la prise de décision collective.Créer des opportunités économiques pour les agro-pasteurs.Le projet poursuit ainsi son objectif : accompagner la Mauritanie vers des systèmes alimentaires structurés et résilients au service des populations vulnérables.
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Ukraine: Enabel strengthens support for the Chernihiv Regional Blood Centre
Taisiia DRUZIUK | 11/12/2025
On December 4 2025, Enabel signed a memorandum marking the start of repair works in one of Chernihiv’s key medical facilities, Chernihiv Regional Blood Centre.Nearly €2 million for the major renovation and thermomodernisation of the 2,000 sq. m building has been allocated from the BE-Relieve programme budget.The Blood Center has also received a minibus for mobile blood collection from Enabel. The facility’s team will use this vehicle to engage blood donors in the Chernihiv and Sumy regions.Dirk Deprez, Enabel Country Director in Ukraine: “When I first visited the Blood Center, I was deeply moved learning that the facility’s staff never stopped working even during the first weeks of the full-scale invasion.That visit convinced me that we should respond to the Ministry of Health’s request to contribute to the development of Ukraine’s blood system and support the modernisation of this facility. Rebuilding the Center to modern standards is not just a technical solution, but also a step toward European integration.”Viacheslav Chaus, Head of Chernihiv Regional Military Administration:“This will be a completely different facility, very modern. Enabel has taken into account all the Center staff’s wishes regarding the renovation. We also agreed to upgrade the equipment and create opportunities for professional development of the specialists.”The building renovation and bus purchase are part of comprehensive support from Enabel. Earlier, we announced our partnership with the Red Cross Flanders, which includes training and procurement of new medical equipment.
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Ukraine: Belgium joins the Shelter Coalition, with Enabel as an implementing partner
Taisiia DRUZIUK | 11/12/2025
The Shelter Coalition is a new initiative designed to support Ukraine’s transition from ad-hoc shelters to a country-wide network. The Coalition brings together Finland, the European Union, Lithuania, Belgium, Ireland, Sweden, as well as the EIB and the World Bank.The inaugural meeting took place on November 27 2025 in the presence of the Prime Minister of Ukraine, Yuliia Svyrydenko, who emphasised the importance of protecting civilian lives.The Shelter Coalition will work alongside Ukrainian authorities to map needs, design inclusive and accessible shelters, and mobilise financing. A key focus will be the construction and rehabilitation of dual-use shelters – facilities that function as schools, healthcare facilities, or community spaces during peacetime. Priority will go to communities closest to the frontline and heavily targeted regions.Enabel, alongside CPVA (Lithuania), will serve as the main implementing partners for construction under the EU-funded component.Luc Jacobs, Ambassador of Belgium to Ukraine: "The Coalition will allow us to join a broader initiative, amplifying our impact on the ground. This is a continuing effort: through Enabel, we have already been constructing new shelters for schools in the communities of Novi Petrivtsi, Shevchenkove, and Baryshivka, and rehabilitating three existing shelters."The Shelter Coalition is designed to support the roll-out of Ukraine's Strategy for the Development of the Fund of Civil Protection Structures up to 2034, led by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the State Emergency Service.Ihor Klymenko, Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine: "The Coalition is not only about financial support. It is about pooling technologies, engineering solutions, and the experience of democratic states that have been investing in the resilience of their infrastructure for decades. Together, we are doing what really matters: protecting people and showing the world that unity is stronger than terror."
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Enabel and Lugogo Vocational Training Institute host skills competition to promote TVET in Uganda
Jovia KAVULU | 11/12/2025
Enabel, in partnership with Lugogo Vocational Training Institute (VTI), hosted a Vocational Skills Competition in Kampala under the theme “Choose vocational education: Get skilled and be unstoppable.” The event formed part of a broader national effort to expand access to skills development, strengthen the visibility of technical training, and challenge perceptions that have historically undermined participation, particularly among young women and marginalised groups. The competition was designed to rebuild public confidence in technical and vocational education by showcasing the professional opportunities available within the sector. It also aimed to mobilise parents and communities to encourage young people in pursuing vocational pathways that lead to stable employment, sustainable livelihoods, and social mobility. Despite a strong national demand for skilled labour, vocational education is still widely undervalued and often viewed as a last resort rather than a viable and respected career option. Speaking at the event, Senior TVET Officer at the Ministry of Education and Sports, Innocent Kemigisha, called for an end to the belief that vocational training is only for academic underperformers. “We must break away from the misconception that TVET is a path for failures,” she stated. Citing global examples from Japan, Belgium, the United States, and South Korea, Innocent Kemigisha said that countries that invest in vocational training consistently achieve sustained industrial and economic growth. “Technical and vocational education equips learners with practical, marketable skills that drive meaningful employment and national development,” added Kemigisha. Emmanuel Kisangala, Project Manager for Enabel’s WeWork Project in the Kampala metropolitan area, emphasised the strategic role of vocational careers in innovation and job creation. “Uganda cannot afford to let stereotypes and gender biases hold young people back from opportunities in high-demand fields,” he said. Kisangala stressed that skills competitions play a vital role in restoring public trust in TVET and in encouraging youth to pursue emerging careers. “We want young people to see the potential in trades linked to renewable energy, green technologies, and other fast-growing sectors,” he noted. He further appealed to parents and guardians to encourage their children to acquire critical practical skills that Uganda urgently needs, including plumbing, electrical installation, metal fabrication, carpentry, construction, and renewable-energy systems. The Chief Head Trainer at Lugogo Vocational Training Institute, Wilson Muhammia, said the institute remains committed to delivering high-quality, competency-based training that responds to labour-market needs. “This event was designed to inspire youth, parents, and communities to embrace vocational education as a powerful tool against unemployment and poverty,” he said. Since June 2024, when the partnership between Enabel and Lugogo VTI started, the institute has undergone major institutional strengthening to position it as a model centre of vocational excellence. The staff had their teaching skills enhanced through targeted training in artificial intelligence, information and communications technology, and gender-responsive teaching and workplace practices. “The institute has also acquired skills for conducting trainee tracer studies, improving competence-based training delivery, and implementing a new joint strategic plan to drive long-term performance and sustainability,” said Wilson. The Skills Competition offered trainees a dynamic platform to demonstrate their abilities in real time, emphasising the transformative potential of vocational training in developing Uganda’s skilled workforce. Outstanding performers were recognised in woodwork technology, electrical installation systems and management, and the building and construction sectors. This year’s competition aligned closely with ongoing national reforms, including the rollout of the new TVET Act in March 2025, which seeks to elevate vocational training to industrial standards and position TVET at the centre of Uganda’s socio-economic transformation. As Uganda moves toward industrialisation and expands its green and innovation-driven sectors, investment in high-quality TVET will remain essential. The competition demonstrated that when young people, parents, institutions, and communities champion skills development, Uganda builds a stronger workforce, enhances productivity, and accelerates economic transformation.
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Ukraine: Enabel partners with Constructiv to empower construction experts
Taisiia DRUZIUK | 11/12/2025
Enabel partners with Constructiv to train members of the Ukrainian construction industry in general safety and asbestos removal.In November 2025, representatives from Ukrainian trade unions and employers, together with Enabel infrastructure experts, travelled to Brussels for a certified course on general safety and asbestos removal. The 5-day programme covered topics essential for Ukraine’s reconstruction and post-bombing debris management:Basic construction site safetyAsbestos removal: reducing the risks of contamination and fiber dispersionCircular economy and reconstructionWorking at heightSocial dialogue in the construction sectorSvitlana Strokach, Enabel Infrastructure Expert: "When working with carcinogenic materials like asbestos, there can be no compromises – only clear procedures, proper exposure control, and strict discipline. The same applies to working at heights, where even a small mistake can come at a high cost.This exchange with Belgian experts has become an important benchmark and will help us strengthen workplace safety in Ukraine in line with leading European practices." Bruno Vandewijngaert, CEO of Constructiv: "As a sectoral fund, Constructiv has developed recognised technical expertise in training for construction trades, skills management, as well as safety and well-being on construction sites.Through this initiative, we share not only our know-how but also our model of social dialogue. The reconstruction of a country does not rely solely on technical mastery, but also on the fundamental values of solidarity, respect, and dialogue among industry stakeholders."
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Ukraine: Enabel and Red Cross-Flanders will help Ukraine strengthen its blood system
Taisiia DRUZIUK | 11/12/2025
Since Russia's full-scale invasion on Ukraine, blood demand has increased by over 40%, with multiple facilities damaged and destroyed. On November 19 2025, Enabel signed a €2 million grant agreement with Red Cross-Flanders to facilitate the modernisation of Ukraine's blood transfusion network.Red Cross Flanders’ expertise will be used to align the Ukrainian blood system with European quality and safety standards. The organisation will contribute to strengthening quality control, traceability and modernisation of blood processing in Ukraine. They will also use their expertise to scale up recruitment of voluntary donations.The grant support will cover the alignment of the Chernihiv Blood Centre with the EU standards, including the procurement of modern equipment and the training of Ukrainian specialists. The Centre, which serves the Chernihiv region and the neighbouring Sumy region, is crucial for the entire northeast of the country.Yaroslav Melnyk, Ambassador of Ukraine to Belgium: "The contribution of our Belgian partners saves lives and lays the foundation for a more modern and secure healthcare system."Jean Van Wetter, Enabel CEO: "This knowledge exchange is incredibly important for all parties as long as the war lasts, but I am convinced that our cooperation will also be useful in the future and in other contexts."
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Deborah turns wood and bamboo into opportunity in Uganda
Jovia KAVULU | 11/12/2025
In a small carpentry workshop in Rwengoma A, Western division-Fort Portal, Deborah Tuhaise, a young woman works confidently, polishing furniture. Carpentry is more than just work for her — it is how she rebuilt her life and proved that women can succeed in any trade. Deborah grew up watching her father make furniture. As a child, she loved spending time in his workshop, playing with small pieces of wood, and making simple items. During the school holidays, she helped with sanding and varnishing. Her father noticed her talent and began instructing and guiding her on how to get better. Just after completing Senior Four, Deborah’s life took a painful turn. She became pregnant due to assault by someone she knew. “It was very hard,” she says. “I didn’t know how to tell my parents, but I knew I had to survive and care for my baby.” To earn an income, Deborah started making small crafts from wood and banana fibres. Her father kept encouraging her, and slowly she regained confidence. One day, she met a Tanzanian carpenter who taught her advanced carving techniques. Deborah learned quickly and began making bigger furniture items like beds, chairs, and cupboards. Her skills became noticeable and earned her a place on a team that made the ‘Empaako’ monument in Fort Portal — a symbol of Toro’s cultural pride. Working in a male-dominated trade has not been easy for Deborah. She has dealt with some clients who doubted her abilities, while others refused to pay for finished products. “People used to ask me if I could really do the work,” she says with a smile. “But after seeing the results, they began respecting me.” Her big break came when she received training through Enabel’s Support to Skilling Uganda project. Through the training, she earned a certificate in carpentry. “That certificate gave me confidence,” she says. “It helped me get more jobs and I even started training other people, which has helped increase my earnings.” Today, Deborah is not just an artisan — she is a trainer and mentor. She teaches other young women, especially single mothers, how to sand, carve, and finish furniture. “Most of them come with no experience,” she says. “But after some months, they can make and sell their own products.” Recently, Deborah started working with bamboo after learning about it at a crafts exhibition. She makes flower vases, lampshades, and mats by mixing bamboo with banana fibres. “Bamboo is easy to grow and very sustainable,” she explains. “It’s good for women who want to work from home.” Her journey has not been without setbacks. Two fires destroyed her workshop and tools, but she was able to rebuild her business on both occasions. Deborah works independently alongside her father and brother in their shared workshop. She dreams of opening a women’s craft centre where single mothers can learn, make, and sell their products. “I was once a struggling mother,” she says. “Now I want to help others stand on their own.” Enabel is currently implementing the WeWork-green and decent jobs for youth project, which was born after the success of the Support to Skilling Uganda project. Through the WeWork project, Enabel ‘s objective is to ensure that young people especially young women acquire skills and find decent jobs, or entrepreneurship opportunities in agriculture and the green and sustainable economy.
