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Advancing responsible and sustainable tourism in Uganda
John CANDIGA | 29/10/2026
Through Fair Trade Tourism (FTT) certification, Enabel is working with tourism businesses in Uganda to embrace ethical practices, improve working conditions, strengthen community participation and build a more sustainable and competitive tourism industry.In Uganda's Karamoja sub-region, a tourism enterprise that began with a vision of connecting travellers to local communities is now setting a new standard for responsible and sustainable tourism. Karamoja Safari Camp, operating under the Kara-Tunga Tours brand, has become Uganda's first tourism business to attain Fair Trade Tourism (FTT) certification, marking an important milestone for the country's tourism and hospitality sector.Having started its operations in 2016, the achievement represents recognition of years of efforts to make tourism more inclusive, environmentally responsible, and beneficial to the communities that make Karamoja a unique destination. Through cultural experiences, community partnerships and environmental conservation initiatives, Kara-Tunga has worked to demonstrate that tourism can offer more than memorable experiences for visitors. It can also support local livelihoods, preserve cultural identity and create opportunities for communities to participate in the tourism economy.Sustainability at Karamoja Safari Camp is reflected in how the business operates and engages with surrounding communities. The enterprise promotes community-based tourism activities, employs local people and supports local food production, creating opportunities for residents to participate in and benefit from tourism.It also connects visitors with local craftspeople through cultural tours and workshops, helping showcase and preserve Karamoja's rich cultural heritage while supporting community enterprises. Environmental responsibility is another important part of its operations. The camp recycles organic waste into compost, promotes bicycle and walking tours to reduce carbon emissions, supports tree planting in schools, and has eliminated plastic bags while providing guests with filtered drinking water. According to Rogers Mabiro, a staff member at Kara-Tunga Safari Camp, these initiatives reflect the enterprise's commitment to reducing the negative effects of tourism while increasing its positive contribution to communities and the environment."At Kara-Tunga, we are committed to sustainable tourism. This means we strive to limit or improve any negative impacts of our operations," he explains.These efforts are particularly relevant in Karamoja, where tourism offers opportunities to showcase the region's cultural heritage and biodiversity while supporting livelihoods and local economic development. By involving local people in tourism activities, the enterprise is contributing to an approach in which communities are not simply part of the visitor experience but also participants in the economic opportunities it creates.Although Kara-Tunga had already introduced several responsible tourism practices, attaining Fair Trade Tourism certification required the enterprise to demonstrate that its operations met internationally recognised sustainability standards. The certification process involved a rigorous six-month assessment conducted by FTT auditors who evaluated the camp against 184 criteria across six sustainability pillars: fair share, fair say, respect, reliability, transparency and sustainability.These criteria examine how tourism businesses treat their employees, engage with communities, manage their environmental responsibilities and ensure fairness and transparency in their operations. The assessment included independent third-party verification, interviews with staff and community representatives, document reviews, field inspections and evaluation of impact metrics.Grace Stead, the General Manager of Fair Trade Tourism, welcomed the enterprise's achievement and its commitment to demonstrating responsible tourism practices. "This builds on what they have already been doing, providing verification and aligning with international best practice," she said.The Fair Trade Tourism certification achievement by Kara-Tunga is part of a broader effort to strengthen responsible and sustainable tourism practices across Uganda's tourism and hospitality sector. The initiative is designed to ensure that tourism businesses begin their journey towards internationally recognised sustainable tourism certification by reducing some of the financial barriers associated with membership and certification audits.The certification places Kara-Tunga among a growing network of African tourism businesses committed to ethical practices that prioritise local communities, environmental stewardship, transparency and fair economic participation. Building on this achievement, Enabel has procured a second consultancy assignment to strengthen the adoption of responsible and sustainable tourism practices among 30 tourism enterprises.
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Promoting maternity care in Uganda through saving for health and affordable transport
John CANDIGA | 29/10/2026
Moreen Kiiza, 38, found it easier to attend antenatal visits and reach a health facility in time for childbirth. This was possible due to affordable transport through a community motorcycle service and regular savings for healthcare. As an expectant mother living far from a health facility, the journey to receive maternity care can be as important as the care itself.The cost of transport, the distance to a health facility and the availability of a reliable means of travel can all influence whether a mother receives medical attention when she needs it.Moreen is a member of Tweimukye Village Savings and Loans Association (VSLA) in Bunyangabu District, Uganda’s Rwenzori region. Through the Decent Work and Social Protection project funded by the Kingdom of Belgium, her VSLA group received a community-managed motorcycle to transport members to health facilities, making it easier for expectant mothers and other community members to access healthcare.The motorcycle became an important part of Moreen’s journey through pregnancy and childbirth, helping her travel to a health facility for antenatal care and eventually for delivery. This is because, for many expectant mothers in rural communities, accessing antenatal care requires more than knowing when to visit a health facility. It also means finding reliable transport and having enough money to pay for the journey.Moreen was familiar with this challenge. Transport costs to some health facilities can be high, making regular visits difficult for households with limited financial resources.According to Moreen, transport to facilities such as Kibiito Health Centre can sometimes cost as much as UGX 20,000 for a return journey. Having access to the motorcycle managed by her VSLA group offered a more affordable alternative."I like using the group motorcycle because it is readily available, and they usually charge a subsidised fare compared to others," she explains.During her pregnancy, Moreen used the motorcycle three times to attend antenatal care visits at Kasunganyanja Health Centre. For each return journey, she paid only UGX 6,000, significantly reducing the transport expenses associated with seeking maternity care.The importance of reliable transport became even clearer when Moreen's pregnancy reached the advanced stage. When the time came for her to give birth, she once again relied on the VSLA motorcycle to travel to the health facility. It was the fourth time she had used the motorcycle during her pregnancy.This time, however, the journey was particularly important. She needed to reach the facility in time to receive professional maternity care. "The health workers were happy that I reported on time," she recalls.While regular antenatal care helps expectant mothers monitor their pregnancies, reaching a health facility promptly for delivery is equally important. In communities where transport can be expensive or difficult to arrange, access to an affordable motorcycle can help address one of the practical barriers to seeking timely maternal healthcare.As a member of Tweimukye VSLA, she had also embraced saving for health to help meet medical expenses whenever they arose. She initially began contributing UGX 1,000 per week to the group's health savings fund. Over time, recognising the importance of having sufficient financial resources available during pregnancy and childbirth, she increased her weekly contribution to UGX 10,000.Her decision was motivated by the need to strengthen her financial preparedness and ensure that she could access a sufficient loan from the group if additional expenses arose during delivery. Through consistent saving, Moreen accumulated UGX 300,000 in health savings.Fortunately, Moreen gave birth normally and did not have to use much of her accumulated savings. The money she had set aside, however, remained valuable. Rather than withdrawing from the saving-for-health initiative after childbirth, she decided to continue contributing to the group. "These savings will support me and my baby in case illness arises," she says.Her decision reflects an important aspect of financial preparedness: healthcare needs do not end with childbirth, as families continue requiring medical assistance.Moreen's experience is part of a broader community transport initiative implemented under the Decent Work and Social Protection project. Through the initiative, 15 motorcycles were provided to selected VSLA groups to improve transport to health facilities, particularly in hard-to-reach communities.The motorcycles are managed by the groups and provide transport services to both members and other community residents. Under the arrangement, group members benefit from subsidised fares, paying half the prevailing market rate, while non-members are charged the normal market rate.This model seeks to address two important community needs: improving access to healthcare and creating an income-generating activity for the savings groups. At the same time, income generated from transporting passengers provides an additional revenue stream for the groups managing the motorcycles.Approximately 5,057 patients have been transported to health facilities using the 15 motorcycles provided to the selected VSLA groups. The motorcycles have also generated approximately UGX 44.5 million (EUR 10,800) in income for the groups.
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Earning sustainable income through coffee seedlings in Uganda
John CANDIGA | 29/10/2026
Joseline Kabuwo and 27 other women and youth in Nyabuswo believe that a small coffee seedling represents an opportunity to earn an income, build a sustainable livelihood, and contribute to the future of one of Uganda’s most important crops.Joseline is the chairperson of a group of 28 women and young people (23 female), who manage the Nyabuswo and Kitonya coffee nursery beds under the Nyabuswo Coffee Farmers’ Cooperative in Kabarole District. The group raises quality coffee seedlings for sale to farmers across the Rwenzori region and other parts of Uganda, helping them access quality planting material to establish new coffee gardens and expand existing ones.The nursery enterprise is also creating opportunities for the group members themselves. When the seedlings from their first season were ready, each member received at least 150 seedlings to establish a coffee garden at household level. This has enabled the members to become coffee producers themselves while continuing to earn collectively from the nursery business.The group started the nursery enterprise in January 2025 with 12 kilograms of Arabica coffee seed. According to Joseline, their first season generated approximately UGX 15 million (about EUR 3,400) from the sale of seedlings. Rather than sharing all the proceeds among themselves, the members decided to reinvest part of the income to expand the business.Building on the success of their first season, the group increased their investment to 14 kilograms of Arabica coffee seed for the second season. They now expect to generate over UGX 20 million (about EUR 4,570) once all the seedlings are sold.The progress has encouraged Joseline and the other members to look beyond seedling production. The group is now considering expanding into coffee trading by purchasing coffee beans from farmers in the community, bulking them and selling them through the Nyabuswo Farmers’ Cooperative. This would provide an additional source of income for members while strengthening the cooperative’s role in connecting local coffee farmers to markets.Their ambition reflects the wider opportunities within Uganda’s coffee sector. Coffee is a critical part of the country’s economy, with more than 1.8 million households involved in its production. The crop contributes significantly to Uganda’s export earnings and supports millions of livelihoods across its value chain. As Uganda works to increase coffee production and strengthen the value of the crop, farmers’ access to quality planting material, skills and markets will remain essential.It is within this wider context that the Decent Work and Social Protection Project is supporting women and young people to participate more productively in Uganda’s agricultural value chains. Through the Private Sector Development and Consultancy Centre (PRICON), a project partner, the Nyabuswo Farmers’ Cooperative is among the farmer organisations receiving support to create and improve employment opportunities within the agriculture sector, including the coffee value chain.The intervention focuses on improving productivity and skills, promoting value addition and market access, strengthening financial inclusion, and creating decent employment opportunities across agricultural value chains. By supporting women and young people to participate in sustainable economic activities, the project is contributing to increased incomes and stronger livelihoods.
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Deaf and thriving: Uganda’s rising chef
John CANDIGA | 29/10/2026
Pius Busingye was once on a clear path to becoming a medical doctor. But in 2015, just weeks before sitting his final Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) exams, life took a sharp, unexpected turn. A sudden illness took away his hearing, and with it, the smooth trajectory he had envisioned for his future.“I got Division 1 with an aggregate of 23,” Pius happily recalls. “But I know I could have done even better if I had not fallen sick just before the exams.” His dream of studying medicine felt suddenly out of reach because it became challenging for him to navigate such a sudden change without adequate resources and sufficient sign language skills.Adapting to hearing loss was not an easy task. Everyday conversations became puzzles he had to solve by reading lips or scribbling back and forth. Despite his strong academic performance, the lack of access to a special needs school forced 17-year-old Pius to drop out of school. His parents, though supportive, simply could not afford the additional costs.With dreams deferred but not forgotten, Pius turned to the informal sector to survive. He first worked as a chainsaw maintainer, then moved into masonry. After nearly two years of backbreaking work, the contractor he was working with vanished without paying him. The money, Pius had hoped, would help him return to school.It was at this point that Pius got to know about the tourism and hospitality apprenticeship programme through a friend. “He told me about the apprenticeship programme by Enabel and the Uganda Hotel Owners Association (UHOA). As soon as I saw the advert, I applied and was glad to be selected for interviews,” said Pius. Alongside other youth, Pius went through three months of training at the Uganda Hotel and Tourism Training Institute in Jinja. He specialised in food production and presentation, and after 3 months of training, he was placed in the bustling kitchen of Serena Hotel in Kigo, Entebbe, to practise the skills he acquired from the training institute. “I was able to make different dishes, manage client stations, and communicate with the waiting team,” he shared proudly. Working in food production didn’t just teach him practical skills but also reignited his confidence.Today, Pius views cooking as more than just a job. “I consider cooking an art. Every day I push myself to learn something new, especially with the help of the chief chef and my colleagues.” He passed the Directorate of Industrial Training (DIT) assessment to earn his certificate to fully practise his cooking and food presentation skills.Pius dreams of blending his culinary skills with another hidden passion: tailoring. “I will cook on my duty days, and on my off days, I will sew clothes,” he said. This is his way of creating a balanced, sustainable life, one that allows him to support his siblings and, someday, his own family.
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Building healthier communities in Uganda’s Rwenzori region
John CANDIGA | 29/10/2026
In Fort Portal City, community volunteer Rosette Kabarangira is helping families rethink how they prepare for healthcare expenses, encouraging a culture of saving that can make timely medical care more accessible. For Rosette Kabarangira, helping a family prepare for a medical emergency begins with a simple conversation about saving.In communities where household incomes are often stretched across competing needs, putting money aside for healthcare can seem difficult. Some people believe that saving is only possible for those with well-paying jobs or substantial incomes. Rosette is working to change that perception.As a community volunteer and savings-for-health ambassador in Fort Portal City's North Division, she works with seven Village Savings and Loans Associations (VSLAs), encouraging members to save regularly for healthcare and manage their finances more effectively. Her work is helping community members understand that preparing for future medical expenses does not necessarily require a large income. Rather, it can begin with small, consistent contributions and a commitment to financial planning.One of the biggest challenges Rosette encounters is the belief that saving for healthcare is beyond the reach of people with limited incomes. Through community mobilisation and awareness sessions, she encourages individuals and households to reconsider this perception and explore how joining a VSLA can help them prepare for healthcare needs."Most people used to think that you need a big job or a lot of money to start saving for health. My sessions focus on addressing those misconceptions, and usually, they enrol and start saving afterwards," she explains.For Rosette, these conversations are an important part of building financial confidence within communities. Rather than simply encouraging people to contribute money, she helps them understand the value of saving, the benefits of belonging to a VSLA and the practical steps involved in becoming a member. Her approach focuses on making financial preparedness understandable and achievable for people with different income levels.As a trained savings-for-health ambassador, she mentors VSLA members on financial management and the importance of planning for future needs. Her community sessions cover savings management, budgeting, saving for old age, personal financial management and investment.These topics help members think more broadly about how they use their income and how they can balance immediate household expenses with longer-term financial responsibilities. Through the training and mentorship, Rosette encourages members to develop habits that can strengthen their financial preparedness and improve their ability to respond to unexpected expenses.She also follows up with the VSLA groups to monitor their progress and encourage members to keep saving for healthcare. This ongoing engagement is important because building a savings culture requires more than a single awareness session. It depends on consistent encouragement, practical guidance and the confidence that regular contributions can make a difference. This is because when people understand why they are saving and how to manage their resources, they are better positioned to make informed decisions about their healthcare needs.Among the changes that motivate Rosette most is the difference she has observed in how expectant mothers prepare for and access maternity services. Pregnancy comes with healthcare needs that require timely attention, including regular antenatal care visits. Yet the costs associated with seeking these services can place pressure on households that have not prepared financially.Rosette has seen how this approach is making a difference among the communities she works with. "I see that expectant mothers are now able to happily attend all their maternity services, including all antenatal visits, because they are saving for health," she says.Witnessing these changes reinforces the importance of her work. Her experience shows the importance of saving for healthcare. When families set aside money in advance, they can meet medical costs when the need arises without having to scramble for money. Having money set aside can make it easier for expectant mothers to attend antenatal visits and access other maternity services when they need them.Rosette is among the Village Health Team (VHT) members trained to serve as savings-for-health ambassadors under the Decent Work and Social Protection project in Uganda, funded by the Kingdom of Belgium. The project promotes saving for health among VSLAs in the Rwenzori and Albertine regions as an approach to addressing delays in seeking healthcareThrough their existing relationships with community members, VHTs are well positioned to mobilise households, explain the benefits of health savings and provide continued mentorship to VSLA groups.Rosette's work also shows the importance of financial education in social protection. Beyond the amount saved, the knowledge and habits developed through regular mentorship help communities to make better-informed decisions about managing their resources.She says that the impact of saving for health should not end when the project ends. She wants the communities she works with to continue saving and applying the financial management skills they have acquired.As Uganda advances discussions around Universal Health Coverage, Rosette believes that encouraging households to maintain their health savings is an important part of strengthening financial preparedness. She continues to motivate VSLA members to remain active, contribute regularly, and recognise health savings as an ongoing household priority.
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Better farming practices transform vanilla production in Uganda
John CANDIGA | 29/10/2026
Through improved agronomic practices and access to reliable markets, a vanilla farmer in Ntoroko District is increasing his harvests, creating employment and investing in a better future for his family.Christopher Mwesige, a farmer in Nombe sub-county, Ntoroko District, in Uganda's Rwenzori region, has experienced a remarkable improvement in his vanilla production. He is among the participating farmers in the agronomic training under the Vanilla Initiative for Building Resilient and Thriving (VIBRANT) Communities, implemented by Kabarole Resource and Research Centre (KRC) as part of the Decent Work and Social Protection project, funded by the Kingdom of Belgium. Through the initiative, farmers receive practical training and technical guidance to improve vanilla production, strengthen their participation in the agricultural value chain and increase their income.One of the most significant changes has been learning how to manage his vanilla plantation more effectively. Through the agronomic training, Christopher acquired knowledge on appropriate planting distances, pruning techniques, and the use of organic manure to improve soil fertility and crop productivity.Applying these practices has helped him improve the management of his vanilla vines and increase the quantity of vanilla harvested. The results have been encouraging. This is because before the training, Christopher harvested about 100 kilograms of vanilla per season. He now produces between 300 and 400 kilograms per season.For a household that depends on farming, a better harvest creates opportunities to earn more income, meet essential family needs, and invest in other livelihood activities. Christopher is now looking beyond his current production levels. As he continues applying the knowledge acquired through the training, he has set himself an ambitious target of harvesting one tonne of vanilla per season. Achieving this goal will require continued investment in good agronomic practices, proper management of his vines, and access to reliable markets.Producing more vanilla is only one part of Christopher's progress. Being able to sell his harvest promptly and receive payment on time has also contributed to the growth of his enterprise. Through KRC's efforts to connect farmers with trusted buyers, Christopher has gained access to a more reliable market for his vanilla. This arrangement has helped reduce the uncertainty associated with finding buyers after harvestingDuring his most recent harvest, Christopher earned approximately UGX 5,000,000 million from vanilla sales. For him, this income represents the value of combining improved production with better market access.Another important benefit has been the reduction in post-harvest losses. According to Christopher, KRC mobilises buyers in time for harvesting, thereby enabling farmers to sell their vanilla on the same day. This reduces delays in storage and the risk of produce going to waste before it reaches the market.The benefits of Christopher's improved production are extending beyond his household. As his vanilla plantation has become more productive, he has employed five workers to work in his garden. The workers help manage the vanilla vines throughout the production cycle, from planting and crop maintenance to harvesting, ensuring that the plantation receives the attention needed to maintain quality and improve yields.The income generated from vanilla farming is also enabling him to invest in assets that improve his family's wellbeing and financial security for the future. He has purchased a motorcycle to facilitate his movement and improve his mobility. He has also bought 10 goats as part of his plans to establish goat farming as an alternative source of income.Diversifying into livestock farming provides Christopher with an opportunity to expand his livelihood activities beyond vanilla production. At home, progress is equally visible. Christopher is constructing a family house, while meeting the school expenses of his eight children.Christopher's experience reflects the wider ambitions of the VIBRANT Communities initiative, which seeks to improve the living conditions of vulnerable populations participating in the vanilla value chain. Implemented by KRC and Enabel, the initiative promotes sustainable and inclusive agricultural development by strengthening farmers' technical knowledge, access to advisory services and opportunities for improved livelihoods.Across Kasese, Bundibugyo and Ntoroko districts in WesternUganda, agricultural extension and farmer advisory services have been strengthened through practical agronomic training, household visits, demonstration gardens, Farmer Field and Business Schools (FFBS) and Community Producer Facilitator (CPF)-led farmer support.So far, 1,447 farmers have received individualised agricultural extension visits, covering crop management, pest and disease control, soil fertility management, irrigation and shade management. Farmers have also received guidance on post-harvest handling, including appropriate harvesting, sorting, grading and quality assurance practices. These interventions are contributing to improved adoption of good agricultural practices and better vanilla quality, while equipping farmers with knowledge they can continue applying beyond the project's implementation period. The community-level significance of this approach lies in its potential to strengthen farming as a sustainable livelihood. When farmers improve productivity, reduce losses and connect with reliable markets, they are better positioned to invest in their households and expand their enterprises.Christopher’s story shows how better vanilla farming can make a difference in a family’s life. His increased harvests have enabled him to employ five workers, invest in livestock, and pay for his children’s education.
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Saving for health and community-based health insurance promoting access to maternal healthcare in Uganda
John CANDIGA | 29/10/2026
Accessing healthcare has never been as simple as leaving home and travelling to the nearest health facility for 34-year-old Robinah Nzyabake.Robinah lives in Kasese District and uses a wheelchair for mobility. Kagando Hospital is nearly 10 kilometres from her home, making transport essential whenever she needs healthcare. But transport comes at a cost, and in the past, it was an expense she could not always afford.During her first pregnancy, these financial and mobility challenges prevented Robinah from attending the recommended antenatal care visits. Without affordable transport to the hospital, she eventually gave birth with the assistance of a traditional birth attendant.The experience was difficult. Robinah recalls challenges accessing appropriate care after delivery, while her baby frequently fell ill. For her, the experience highlighted how important it is for women, particularly women with disabilities, to have access to professional healthcare throughout pregnancy, childbirth and the postnatal period.Her most recent pregnancy, however, was different.Robinah is now a member of the St. Mbaga Caritas Village Savings and Loans Association (VSLA). Her journey towards saving specifically for healthcare began after she participated in a sensitisation session on Saving for Health and Community-Based Health Insurance (CBHI) conducted by Kagando Hospital, one of the health facilities implementing a CBHI scheme in Kasese District.Following the session, Robinah enrolled in the health insurance scheme and began actively saving for healthcare through her VSLA. When she became pregnant again, these two decisions helped her better prepare for the costs associated with accessing maternal healthcare.This time, Robinah attended all her antenatal care visits. Whenever she needed to travel to Kagando Hospital, she could borrow money from her VSLA to pay for a boda boda (a motorcycle taxi) to take her to and from the health facility. Her outpatient healthcare costs at the hospital were covered under her insurance package.This made a significant difference for her. Instead of worrying about how she would raise money for both transport and healthcare whenever she needed medical attention, she had financial options available to help her access the services she needed.When the time came to give birth, she was also able to access a mama kit containing essential supplies for childbirth, something she says she did not have during her previous delivery. Her most recent childbirth went well, without the major challenges she had experienced before. Robinah paid a subsidised fee of UGX 30,000, while the remaining eligible healthcare costs were covered under her insurance package.Being able to plan for healthcare expenses is particularly important for Robinah. Persons with disabilities can face additional barriers to accessing healthcare, including the cost and availability of suitable transport. For women with disabilities, these challenges can become even more significant during pregnancy and childbirth.Across Uganda, about 13% of people aged five years and above have a disability, with disability more prevalent among women of reproductive age than men, according to the Uganda Bureau of Statistics. Although the rights of persons with disabilities are recognised in Uganda’s Constitution, many continue to face barriers in accessing essential services, including healthcare.Beyond saving for her health, Robinah is also working to strengthen her livelihood. She makes tablecloths and weaves craft baskets to earn an income. She continues to save for healthcare through her VSLA and currently has UGX 60,000 set aside for future health needs. The difference between her two childbirth experiences goes beyond the amount of money she was able to save.Robinah’s experience reflects the broader objective of the Decent Work and Social Protection Project in Uganda to strengthen social protection and help communities become more resilient to health-related financial risks.Through Kagando Hospital in Kasese District and Kitojo Integrated Development Action (KIDA) Hospital in Kabarole District, the project supports Community-Based Health Insurance schemes that enable households to contribute towards healthcare in advance and access services when they need them. So far, 3,148 community members have enrolled in the CBHI schemes implemented through the two hospitals.Alongside health insurance, the project supports the Saving for Health initiative through Village Savings and Loans Associations (VSLAs) in the Rwenzori and Albertine regions. A total of 981 groups, comprising 30,591 members (18,772 female), have collectively saved UGX 2.67 billion (approximately EUR 652,366) for healthcare.These initiatives are helping households prepare for healthcare costs, reduce the financial burden of seeking care, and strengthen access to essential health services, including maternal healthcare. For women like Robinah, this means that pregnancy and childbirth do not have to begin with the question of whether they can afford to seek care. Through health savings and CBHI, they can prepare to access the healthcare services they need.
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Turning Uganda’s green economy ambitions into decent jobs
Jovia KAVULU | 15/10/2026
Uganda’s transition to a greener economy presents an opportunity to attract investment, strengthen businesses and create decent jobs for young people. Turning this potential into lasting economic benefits, however, will require coordinated action across government, the private sector and development partners. This was a key message from the 3rd CEO’s breakfast meeting and high-level dialogue on green economy, sustainability and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), held on 14th-October-2026 at the UNICEF Conference Centre in Mbuya, Kampala. The meeting was officially opened by the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Jacob Marksons Oboth, who delivered the keynote address under the theme, "Accelerating Uganda’s green economy transition through digital transformation."The dialogue brought together government representatives, business leaders, diplomats, UN agencies, development partners and financial institutions to explore how digital transformation, investment and collaboration can help Uganda advance its green economy ambitions and translate sustainability commitments into practical results. In his opening remarks, the Speaker called on leaders to move beyond discussions and statistics to practical action on climate change and environmental protection. He highlighted the importance of translating commitments into tangible measures that protect livelihoods, strengthen resilience and advance Uganda’s development priorities. Speaking at the meeting, Enabel Country Director Nicolas Oebel emphasised that environmental ambitions must be matched by economic opportunities capable of sustaining businesses and creating jobs. “The green transition will only become sustainable when it becomes economically viable,” Nicolas said, highlighting the importance of connecting skills development, enterprise growth and market demand. This means that Enabel and its partners must look beyond introducing green technologies or training young people in emerging skills to ensuring that businesses can compete and grow, markets exist for green products and services, and young people have clear pathways to employment or establishing their own enterprises. Investment was another important consideration in the discussions. World Bank representatives highlighted the role of green finance, technology and international partnerships in advancing the transition. Attracting investment requires an enabling environment, confidence in the policy framework and well-prepared projects capable of delivering economic and environmental returns. These considerations are closely linked to the development of green value chains, where skills, finance, technology and markets must work together. Without businesses able to generate demand for new skills and investment that enables them to grow, the potential for green industries to create lasting employment remains limited. The discussions also highlighted the importance of connecting environmental sustainability with essential services and social inclusion. UNICEF Country Representative Dr. Robin Nandy stressed the urgency of climate-resilient water, sanitation and hygiene services, particularly for children and vulnerable communities affected by climate shocks. This perspective broadened the discussion beyond economic growth alone, highlighting how climate resilience, public health and access to essential services contribute to a greener and more inclusive economy. For Enabel, linking these wider development priorities with employment means ensuring that emerging green industries create opportunities people can access. Renewable energy, green construction, bamboo and sustainable tourism are among the areas where stronger connections between training institutions, enterprises and markets can help translate green growth into jobs. Young people need more than technical training to benefit from these opportunities. They also need practical experience, employers seeking their skills and pathways into employment or entrepreneurship. Businesses, in turn, need access to skilled workers, appropriate technologies, finance and markets to develop competitive products and services.Enabel’s WeWork-green and decent jobs for youth project, funded by the European Union and the Government of Belgium, connects skills development, employment and enterprise growth as part of its work to expand green and decent job opportunities for young people in Uganda. The discussions at the breakfast reinforced the importance of bringing these different elements together. Government policies can create an enabling environment, financial institutions can unlock investment, development partners can help address barriers, and businesses can turn opportunities into viable products, services and jobs. The challenge now is to translate Uganda’s green economy ambitions into action that delivers measurable economic and environmental benefits. A transition that connects skills, enterprises, finance and markets can enable Uganda to protect its natural resources, strengthen competitiveness, expand economic opportunities and create decent jobs for its young people.
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WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 highlights the value of skills for Uganda’s future
Jovia KAVULU | 13/10/2026
When Paul Terran Lugobe stepped into the cookery competition at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026, he was competing against young professionals from around the world, under pressure and against a shared international standard. The Hotel and Tourism Training College (HTTC) student returned with a 'best of nation medal', recognising him as Uganda’s highest-scoring competitor. Paul was one of three young Ugandans who represented the country at the 48th WorldSkills Competition in Shanghai, China. Flavia Nakaayi, a nursing trainee from Kabale Institute of Comprehensive Nursing, competed in health and social care, while Elizabeth Mirabel Mutoro from Arua Technical Institute represented Uganda in welding. Their participation offered an opportunity to demonstrate their skills on an international stage and showed what young Ugandans can achieve when they have opportunities to develop and demonstrate their abilities. The competition, which concluded on 27th-September-2026, brought together approximately 1,400 young professionals from around the world to compete in 64 skill categories. The accompanying WorldSkills Conference convened more than 2,000 participants, including government officials, international organisations, training institutions and businesses, to discuss how skills development can respond to changing economies and workforce needs. According Jackson Kuucha, Executive Director of WorldSkills Uganda, the competition provides a rigorous test of what young tradespeople can do. Competitors must produce work under time pressure, using the tools and materials of their trade. Assessors from other countries evaluate their performance against a shared international marking scheme. This means that there is no home advantage and no partial credit simply for effort. For Uganda’s representatives, taking part meant measuring their abilities against international standards and gaining experience that can inform their future careers.Their journey to Shanghai began at home. Enabel, working with WorldSkills Uganda under the WeWork – green and decent jobs for youth project facilitated national skills competitions through which the three young professionals emerged to represent Uganda internationally. Their progression from national competitions to the global stage demonstrates how opportunities to showcase practical skills can open doors for talented young people. Funded by the European Union and the Government of Belgium, Enabel collaborates with the Ministry of Education and Sports, WorldSkills Uganda and other partners under the WeWork project to strengthen and promote Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). A key part of this work is addressing public perceptions that often position vocational education as a second choice to academic education. Changing these perceptions starts within communities. Through the WeWork project, para social workers engage parents, young people and community members in conversations about the value of vocational skills. They use social and behaviour change communication approaches and tools, including games, storytelling and flashcards, to make these conversations accessible and relatable. By highlighting the opportunities that technical skills can create, these engagements encourage young people and their families to consider TVET as a pathway to employment and entrepreneurship. Enabel also works with Vocational Training Institutions across Busoga, West Nile, Rwenzori/Albertine and the greater Kampala metropolitan region to organise institutional skills competitions. These events give learners an opportunity to demonstrate their abilities while inviting parents, community members and primary and secondary school students to see vocational training in practice. Through practical demonstrations and interaction with learners, visitors discover the range of skills taught at these institutions and the career opportunities they offer. The experience in Shanghai also speaks to the importance of keeping vocational training connected to the world of work. Uganda’s TVET Act 2025 includes provisions intended to ensure that trainers remain current in their trades, including requirements relating to industrial attachment and licence renewal. The law also provides for a two-month industry break each year. These measures reflect the importance of maintaining relevant, up-to-date skills among those responsible for training the next generation of professionals. At the international level, Uganda’s participation highlighted the opportunities that could come with deeper engagement in WorldSkills International. As an associate member, Uganda is limited to entering three skill categories at the competition. In Shanghai, the country used its places for cookery, welding and health and social care.The state minister for Higher Education, Hon. Phyllis Chemutai, emphasised the need for Uganda to become a full member of WorldSkills International to widen opportunities for young people in TVET institutions. Full membership would allow Uganda to participate in all 64 skill categories, opening more opportunities for young professionals to test their abilities against international standards. However, participating across all categories requires substantial investment. According to Kuucha, only Brazil and China entered competitors in all 64 categories at the Shanghai competition. Each skill category requires experts to accompany and oversee the competitors, in addition to other officials. A delegation could therefore comprise around 200 people travelling for approximately 10 days, making the cost a significant consideration for countries seeking to expand their participation. The discussions at the WorldSkills Conference also emphasised the need to make skills training accessible to people from different backgrounds, embrace new technologies and strengthen cooperation between countries. These efforts are essential to ensuring that skills development keeps pace with changes in the labour market and prepares young people for emerging opportunities. For Uganda, these priorities reinforce the need for collaboration among government, training institutions, employers, communities and development partners to build a skills system that responds to the needs of the economy and creates opportunities for young people. The next WorldSkills Competition is scheduled for 2028 in Aichi, Japan. The experience gained in Shanghai provides Uganda with a foundation to build on as it works to strengthen its TVET sector and create more opportunities for young people to demonstrate their skills on the international stage. Paul Terran Lugobe’s best of nation medal is a notable achievement, but the wider story is about the potential of Uganda’s young people. With quality training, opportunities to demonstrate their abilities and stronger connections between education and industry, vocational skills can open pathways to decent work and contribute to the country’s social and economic development. Through the WeWork project, Enabel and its partners, are working to make these opportunities more accessible and strengthen recognition of TVET as a valuable pathway to a rewarding career.
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Enabel backs new effort to align TVET with Uganda’s changing skills needs
Jovia KAVULU | 23/09/2026
As Uganda’s economy continues to evolve, the need to equip young people with relevant and practical skills is becoming increasingly important. Strengthening the country’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) system is one of the areas Enabel is addressing through the WeWork – green and decent jobs for youth project, funded by the European Union and the Kingdom of Belgium. As part of these efforts, Enabel partnered with the TVET Council to organise and host the inauguration and induction of Uganda’s Sector Skills Expert Committees (SSECs), a new mechanism aimed at bringing industry closer to the country’s skills development system. The three-day workshop, held from 15th to 17th September in Entebbe, was organised under the theme, “From skills to productivity, jobs and wealth creation: The strategic role of Sector Skills Expert Committees in Uganda’s transformation.” The 10 Sector Skills Expert Committees bring together industry players who are expected to provide information on the skills needed in different sectors of the economy. Their work will include identifying skills gaps, providing labour market intelligence, advising on training priorities and recommending new training programmes where necessary. Opening the event, State Minister for Education and Sports, Hon. Phyllis Chemutai, said Uganda needs to look beyond the skills required today and anticipate those that will be needed in the future. “What skills does Uganda need today, and what skills will Uganda need tomorrow if we are to transform our economy and improve the lives of our people?” she asked. The question comes at a time when Uganda’s economy and labour market are changing rapidly, with new technologies and growing opportunities in areas such as ICT, agro-industrialisation, tourism, manufacturing, oil and gas and other sectors. This will create a need for TVET institutions to ensure that the training offered keeps pace with these changes. TVET Council Executive, Director Moses Kasakya, said the committees were established in response to a mismatch between the skills produced by some training institutions and the competencies required in the workplace. He explained that the committees, made up of industry representatives rather than trainers, will provide information on the competencies needed now and those likely to be required in the future. This information is expected to guide decisions on curricula, assessment, funding and investment in skills development. TVET Council Chairperson Allen Kagina also called on the committees to base their recommendations on evidence rather than broad claims about skills shortages. She highlighted employer evidence, investment trends, occupational standards, technological changes and timely labour market data as an important guide for their work. The three-day induction introduced committee members to their role within the national TVET system and equipped them with approaches to labour market intelligence and translating evidence into recommendations for training and investment. The emphasis on stronger links between industry and training institutions reflects a key area of Enabel’s work under WeWork. The project works with TVET institutions in Busoga, Kampala, Rwenzori and West Nile to improve training delivery, build the capacity of trainers and promote TVET as a pathway to employment and entrepreneurship. Enabel also engages in policy dialogue aimed at strengthening the wider TVET system and making it more responsive to the needs of young people and the economy. The establishment of the Sector Skills Expert Committees provides an opportunity to strengthen this connection at national level. Their work will ensure that training responds to labour market needs and gives young people the skills required for employment, entrepreneurship and a changing economy.
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Second hospitality skills challenge held in Uganda as young talent competes for top honours
Jovia KAVULU | 16/09/2026
Enabel partnered with the Hotel and Tourism Training College (HTTC) in Jinja to organise the second hospitality skills challenge, bringing together about 50 young competitors from tourism and hospitality training institutions across Uganda. The three-day competition, held from 9th to 11th September 2026, was officially opened by the Minister of State for Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Hon. Susan Nakawuki Nsaambu. Held under the theme “Fusion of Culture,” the challenge featured competitions in cookery, pastry, and bakery, restaurant service, rooms division, and barista & mixology. More than 10 institutions took part, alongside young people enrolled in hospitality apprenticeships through Enabel’s social protection project in partnership with the Uganda Hotel Owners Association (UHOA). Their participation provided an opportunity to put the skills gained through their apprenticeship placements to the test in a national competition. Opening the challenge, Hon. Nsaambu described it as more than a competition, saying it was “a platform where knowledge meets creativity, where the classroom meets industry, and where young people show that the industry’s future is in the right hands.” She also highlighted the importance of skilled human capital to Uganda’s tourism ambitions, noting that attractions alone are not enough to deliver a quality visitor experience. The sector also requires competent chefs, hotel managers, receptionists, tour guides, event planners and hospitality entrepreneurs. The competition brought together judges from the hospitality industry, including professionals from Sheraton, Marriott, Fairway and Serena Hotel Kampala. Competitors were assessed on their technical skills, presentation, professionalism, organisation and ability to work to industry standards. The event also featured masterclasses led by international chefs from the African Gastronomy Association. Ten chefs from across Africa shared their expertise with students, lecturers and hospitality professionals, providing exposure to different approaches to African cuisine and contemporary hospitality practice. For HTTC, the competition also demonstrated the progress made in strengthening practical training. Principal Richard Kawere highlighted the transformation of the college’s training facilities since the first edition of the challenge. “Just recently we were in makeshift kitchens, but today we are in modern kitchens,” Kawere said, pointing to the college’s move towards more industry-standard training environments. Kawere also emphasised the importance of connecting classroom learning to workplace requirements. HTTC’s approach includes work-based learning, where students spend time in industry as part of their training, giving them an opportunity to apply their skills in real working environments. The challenge concluded on 11 September with the announcement of winners in the five competition categories. Tracy Zalwango from the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities won restaurant service; Bridget Mpanja from Culinary School Uganda won cookery; Collins Kakooza from Kyambogo University won pastry and bakery; Shillah Buluma from HTTC won rooms division; and Raymond Jonathan from Integrated Seed Sector Development (ISSD) won Barista. The winners received trophies, gifts and recognition for their performance. Enabel’s partnership with HTTC to organise the challenge was delivered through WeWork – green and decent jobs for youth project. It forms part of broader efforts to strengthen practical, industry-relevant skills and create stronger pathways from training into employment. The second edition builds on the first challenge held at HTTC in 2025 and further strengthens the link between skills development and Uganda’s growing hospitality and tourism sector.
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Long walk to school ends in hope for Grace in Uganda
Sharon IBENU | 04/09/2026
Across many parts of Uganda, learners continue to face a major barrier to education, the long and often difficult journey to school. For children living in rural communities, distance, safety concerns, and competing responsibilities at home can make it hard to arrive on time, attend lessons consistently, and perform at their best. For girls, these challenges are often even greater. Seventeen-year-old Anzoa Grace Kenyi knows this struggle well. Each morning, she left her home in Pagirinya before sunrise and started the 3.5-kilometre walk to Pagirinya Secondary School in Adjumani District, Uganda. What looked like a short distance on paper often became a difficult journey on foot. By the time Grace reached the school gate, it was sometimes already closed. She would be sent back home, missing valuable learning time and, at times, the entire morning’s mathematics lesson. “When I come late, they send me back,” she said. “This affects my attendance. Sometimes, when I come and they don't allow me inside, I miss the morning mathematics lessons, and my performance dropped badly last term.” Over time, the challenge began to take a toll on her confidence. “Sometimes, because of that challenge, I think of dropping out of school because of the distance,” she said. For Grace, the long walk was more than an inconvenience. It was a barrier between her and her education. That began to change when she received a bicycle through the Bicycle Empowerment Programme. On the day of the handover, Grace was given a Kifaru bicycle, built for durability on rural roads. For her, it represented more than transport. It represented hope. “Instead of spending one hour, I now spend 20 minutes to come to school,” she said. “I won't miss mathematics. I will always come to school early.” The difference is significant. With the bicycle, Grace now has a better chance of arriving on time, attending every lesson, and using the early morning hours to revise before class begins. What was once a daily struggle now offers her a better path to stay in school and improve her performance. For Grace, the future feels more within reach. The long walk that once stood between her and her education may no longer define her school life. Grace is among more than 700 learners who have received bicycles in the regions of Busoga, Rwenzori, and Acholi through the Bicycle Empowerment Programme (BEP) implemented by Cycling out of Poverty Uganda (CooP-Uganda) in partnership with the Ministry of Education and Sports, funded by the European Union and the government of Belgium.
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Winifred turns her hospitality dream into a career
John CANDIGA | 03/09/2026
For Kitiniisa Winifred, standing confidently behind the reception desk at Fairway Hotel is the fulfilment of a dream that, not long ago, seemed beyond her reach. Raised by a single mother, Winifred completed Senior Four with ambition and a clear interest in hospitality, but without the professional skills and experience she needed to enter the job market. She knew she wanted to build a career in the sector, but she was uncertain about how to turn that ambition into employment. “When I got this opportunity, I was excited because I really loved the idea of working in the hospitality sector,” she says. The opportunity came through the hospitality apprenticeship training programme, which enabled Winifred to access practical training and hands-on workplace experience in the hospitality industry. Six months later, her journey looks very different. Today, Winifred is employed as a receptionist at Fairway Hotel, where she puts the skills she acquired during her apprenticeship into practice every day. “Before the training, this was something I did not think I would manage, but now I am good at the front desk, and I am a professional at receiving guests,” she says. Winifred credits the encouragement she received from her trainers and family with helping her make the transition from a young person with an ambition to a hospitality professional. Her training at Be Better Academy went beyond the technical skills required to work in a hotel. She developed customer care and communication skills; confidence and the professional attitude needed to work with guests and perform effectively in a hospitality environment. The combination of classroom learning and practical workplace experience gave Winifred an opportunity to apply what she had learned in a real working environment. It also helped prepare her for the expectations of employers and ultimately supported her transition into formal employment. For many young people in Uganda, completing school does not automatically translate into employment. Limited access to practical, market-relevant skills and workplace experience can make the transition from education to employment particularly challenging. Through the Decent Work and Social Protection Project, young people like Winifred are being supported to acquire practical and market-relevant skills through the National Apprenticeship Framework. The project works with training and industry partners, including the Uganda Hotel Owners Association (UHOA), Millennium Business School (MBS), Be Better Academy (BBA), and Hotel and Tourism Training College (HTTC), to provide apprentices with training and hands-on workplace experience in the tourism and hospitality sector. So far, 472 apprentices have completed their training and workplace placements and graduated from the programme. Of these, 296 have already secured jobs in formal employment. The collaboration between training institutions and the hospitality industry helps ensure that apprentices develop skills that respond to the needs of employers. The training places particular emphasis on technical competence, workplace readiness and the professional skills young people need to improve their chances of finding and retaining employment. The impact of this approach can be seen in Winifred’s journey from completing Senior Four with an ambition to work in hospitality to now having the practical skills, workplace experience and a foundation on which to continue building her career in Uganda’s growing hospitality sector.
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Beyond the classroom, why life skills matter for a Ugandan teacher
Sharon IBENU | 01/09/2026
Baptist Twesige, the life-skills team lead at Maliba Secondary School in Kasese District, faced a personal challenge that affected how he responded to difficult situations. He struggled to manage stress and often made radical decisions when confronted with problems. This was especially challenging in a school where student strikes were rampant and required leaders to respond calmly and work together to find solutions. Twesige’s approach began to change after he received training in life skills. The training equipped him with communication, self-expression, coordination and teamwork skills. It also helped him understand the importance of managing stress before making decisions. He learned that effective leadership requires listening to others, communicating clearly and involving colleagues in addressing challenges. Putting these skills into practice enabled Twesige to change the way he handled difficult situations. Instead of making radical decisions, he began communicating better with other teachers and working as part of a team. The improved coordination among teachers enabled the school to respond to tensions more effectively. Although strikes had previously been rampant, the school is now able to deal with such situations better. Twesige’s experience also changed his understanding of who needs life-skills education. He observed that life skills are often considered relevant only to students, yet teachers face stressful situations that require the same abilities. “People think that life skills are only for students, but teachers need them too.” Twesige’s story shows that life-skills training can bring meaningful change to school leadership. The skills he acquired have enabled him to manage stress and respond to challenges more constructively. Twesige’s story is part of a much bigger effort by Enabel in Uganda through which more than 300 teachers have been trained in life skills under the WeLearn-WeTeach -Boosting equal learning opportunities project. The project is funded by the European Union and the Government of Belgium.
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Enabel invests over UGX 5.1 billion to strengthen Health training infrastructure in Uganda
Sharon IBENU | 03/08/2026
Uganda’s healthcare system relies heavily on the dedication of its frontline professionals, yet the journey to becoming a competent nurse, midwife, or health worker begins long before anyone steps foot into a hospital ward. It starts in the classrooms, skills laboratories, and living spaces of training institutions across the country. Unfortunately, many of these institutions face significant infrastructure challenges which directly constrain institutions to deliver the high-quality education required to prepare health professionals for the realities of the field. To confront this challenge and reshape the future of health education, Enabel, in partnership with the Ministry of Education and Sports, has launched a transformative national infrastructure initiative valued at over UGX 5.1 billion (1.2Million Euros). Funded by the Kingdom of Belgium, this strategic investment is designed to to enhance the learning environments at three vital institutions: Hoima School of Nursing and Midwifery, Fort Portal College of Health Sciences, and Jinja School of Nursing and Midwifery.The works will include the construction of skills laboratory and pedagogy blocks comprising skills laboratories for midwifery, nursing, pediatric training, pharmacy, Clinical medicine and Anesthesia as well as simulation rooms, preparation rooms, libraries, ICT labs, lecture halls, offices and other essential learning facilities. During the official groundbreaking ceremony, Dr. Kedrace Turyagenda, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Education and Sports, emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to accountability, quality, and timely delivery noting that the investment will be measured by how quickly and effectively it translates into safe, modern, and practical learning spaces for students and staff. “Today’s launch reflects the Ministry’s commitment to accountability, quality, and timely delivery. As we break ground for these important infrastructure works, we expect all contractors to adhere to the agreed timelines, uphold the highest standards of workmanship, and ensure that this investment translates into safe, modern, and practical learning spaces for Uganda’s future health professionals.” Dr. Safinah Kisu Museene, Commissioner for Health Education and Training at the Ministry of Education and Sports, further emphasized that quality health education cannot exist in isolation from quality learning environments. She noted that these infrastructure upgrades will significantly strengthen professional training institutions, empowering students to acquire the rigorous knowledge, technical skills, and professional values needed to serve Uganda’s population effectively. Hannah Nayoga, Project Manager, WeTrain4Health at Enabel, highlighted that upgrading these facilities represents a direct investment in Uganda's future health workforce, ensuring that learners are trained in environments that bridge theoretical knowledge with practical, community-ready competence. “The work will help ensure that students are trained in environments that enhance practical learning and prepare them to meet the needs of communities and health facilities across the country,” Nayoga noted. The groundbreaking ceremonies mark an important milestone in Enabel’s continued commitment to education, skills development, and health systems strengthening in Uganda. The works are expected to run for 12 months, from June 2026 to June 2027. followed by a 12-month defects liability period, ending in June 2028.
