Updated by Faith Barbara Namagembe at 0932 EAT on Sunday 19th March 2023.

At least 1400 youths are set to benefit from Shs 1.4 billion Youth Empowerment, Entrepreneurship and Decent Employment program.

Launched by Hajjat Minsa Kabanda, minister for Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) and Standard Chartered Bank in partnership with Voluntary Services Overseas, the project will be implemented in areas around Kampala district; Nakawa, and Makindye divisions and Wakiso district; in Nabweru, Nansana Municipality.

Phase II of the program aims to improve the employability skills of 200 excluded young people and people with disabilities, enhance entrepreneurship skills for 300 young people, including people with disabilities and support 400 youth and young people to start and grow businesses in competitive sectors by the end of the year.

It will also support 500 youths to access both non-formal and formal financing opportunities and contribute to the creation of an enabling and supportive institutional policy and advocacy environment for entrepreneurship and employment in productive sectors.

Phase one promoted financial empowerment by training youth on financial literacy, enrolling them in community-based vocational classes, and fostering their attitude to save, and become an entrepreneur by giving them start-up kits.

Margaret Kigozi, head, of corporate affairs, brand and marketing Standard Chartered Bank Uganda said the bank is committed to lifting the participation of youth, persons with disabilities and SMEs by promoting the social and economic development of young people from low-income households.