Supporting Micro and Small Enterprises and YBAs to uplift women, youth, and persons with disabilities

Unlocking opportunities for women, youth, and persons with disabilities through entrepreneurship, training, and sustainable development.

Apply Now Read Testimonials

Target Beneficiaries

2,093 direct beneficiaries (youth 18- 30 years) and 750 business
enterprises from Lira and Gulu cities.

1,000

Individuals through various business association entry points

1,033

Individuals reached through various institutional entry points

60

Individuals reached through two CSOs.

Participant Stories

Read All Stories

Context & Problem Definition

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development emphasizes the pivotal role of youth in shaping the world’s future. Despite Uganda’s focus on youth engagement in its development activities, many young people still struggle to seize the opportunities available in the country. Uganda has a predominantly young population, with nearly 80% of its 48 million people under 30 years old. With over a million young people entering the job market annually, the country faces high youth unemployment and underemployment.

To address this challenge, a consortium led by Caritas Switzerland (CACH), in partnership with StartHub Africa and Gulu Women’s Economic Development and Globalisation (GWED-G), is working on a project. This project aims to empower youth by enhancing sustainable income generation, life skills, and promoting their active participation in policy, decision-making, and development processes at both national and local levels. It also seeks to strengthen Civil Society Organisation (CSO) systems for more inclusive and sustainable youth development.

Impact

The Empower YOU project operates on the premise that by providing targeted support to youth entrepreneurs, particularly young women, through strengthened Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), they can overcome obstacles to successful entrepreneurship. This support enables them to access business-related services, enhance their income stability, grasp policy processes that impact them directly, and ultimately empowers them to use their practical experience for personal development.

Goal

A consortium led by Caritas Switzerland (CACH), along with StartHub Africa and Gulu Women’s Economic Development and Globalisation (GWED-G), aims to empower youth in Uganda. They focus on improving sustainable income generation, life skills, and encouraging youth participation in policy and decision-making at national and local levels. The project supports existing Micro and Small Enterprises, enhances youth involvement in policy and decision-making, and strengthens Civil Society Organizations for more inclusive and sustained youth development.

Implementing Partner

Project Funders