The Kingdom of the Netherlands has invested $250,000 in seed capital for 50 innovative projects led by young Ugandans.
The funding, disbursed through the i-Upshift initiative, was announced at the Youth Social Innovation Summit held in Kampala.
The program, a collaboration between the International Labor Organization (ILO) and UNICEF Uganda, seeks to foster social innovation and entrepreneurship skills among marginalized adolescents and youth.
The cheques were handed over to the youth groups by the Minister of State for Youth and Children Affairs, Balaam Barugahara, with each group taking home USD 5,000 (19 million shillings).
These showcased brilliant businesses and innovative ideas, which are very vital for young people to turn into successful entrepreneurs.
Some of the showcased innovations and businesses that won the funds included recycling to avert the adverse effects of climate change, software development, and mobile salons, among others.
In his remarks, Balaam said the i-Upshift Youth Program is a beacon of hope to address the pressing issue of youth unemployment by equipping marginalized young people with critical entrepreneurial skills and funding.
He added, “These are practical real-world tools (skills). The lives of many youth living in camps will change. The $5,000 is not just financial support; it is not just money; it is confidence.”
Khushbakht Hojiev, representative of UNICEF Uganda, praised the government’s commitment to youth development.