As part of Government efforts to fight poverty and boost labour productivity,the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, through the Green Jobs Programme, has today given out 2,165 business toolkits and equipment to 93 women and youth groups.
The 93 groups are comprised of 3,364 members (1,258 males and 2,106 females) and have been drawn from across the country.
The beneficiary groups were drawn from 22 districts spread across all the four regions of Uganda. The beneficiaries were drawn from; Kampala, Oyam, Bushenyi,Kayunga, Rubanda,Lwengo,Rakai,Tororo, Busia,Kasese,Buliisa,Gomba,Kisoro,Kyegegwa,Rukiga,Buyende,Gomba,Amolatar,Bulambuli,Buyende, Sembabule and Isingiro.
Speaking while presiding over the handover ceremony, Mr Charles Okello Macodwogo Engola,the State Minister for Labour,Employment and Industrial Relations, said that the Government is keen on implementing the Green Jobs Programme in order to address the low productivity and high unemployment, especially among the youths.
“We are aware that this [unemployment] situation is largely being driven by the high skills mismatch, lack of access to credit, inadequate skills, low productivity, use of poor and inappropriate technologies among others. The Green Jobs Programme is therefore tackling some of the issues that continue to challenge our people in their quest for producing for the market,”Mr Macodwogo said.
Mr Macodwodo also indicated that beginning with the 2022/23 Financial Year, the Government will expand the Programme to reach more Jua-kalis, targeting all Constituencies in the Country.
Mr Ignatius Mudimi,the Elgon County MP and Vice Chairman of Parliament’s Budget Committee,said the Green Jobs Programme should ensure that beneficiaries are equitably selected from all the regions of Uganda
“Get equity. Get something even for Karamoja. Let at least a region to benefit from every set of distribution. I am here with total commitment that we are going to support you. Work within the resources and ensure that every region benefits from the Programme.,”Mr Mudimi said.
Ms Flavia Kabahwenda,the Kyegegwa Woman MP and Chairperson of Parliament’s Gender,Labour and Social Development,said the challenge of youth unemployment can be solved by equipping the youth with the business skills and equipment,like the Green Jobs Programme does.
“I love the option of equipping the young people of Uganda for the option of self employment to become service providers. We can’t offer the amount of jobs that are required for us to drive this country to the spaces where they are required. The only thing we can do is to empower you with tools so that when you get tools,you are empowered to the full,”Ms Kabahwenda said.
