Assessing the Youths Livelihood program and how it will help the youths

On 15^th February 2014, local leaders appeared on Better FM to discuss the Youths Livelihood Program and how it will help the youths to develop. “The Youths Livelihood Program was lobbied in August 2013 by the National Youths Council. This was after the failure of the Youths Venture Capital Fund Program in which youths leaders were denied access to information concerning the program”, said Basiima Ronald, the District Youths Chairperson of Kabarole District. 

Mr. Basiima discussed this during the ‘Orukurato Program’ a 2hour weekly radio program that discusses issues of accountability every Saturday (08:00-10:00)pm on HITS FM that is sponsored by ToroDev. The live radio discussion was also attended by Mr. Mugisa David, a senior Community Development Officer in Kabarole District and Mr. Agaba Steve, the Male Youths Councilor of Kabarole District. 

Ronald Kibuule Uganda Youth State Minister

During the discussion, Mr. Mugisa indicated the different challenges that are faced by the youths in Uganda. “Over seven million youths in Uganda are facing problems of unemployment, idleness which leads to gambling acts, high crime rates due to poverty, early parenthood, among others”.

Mr. Agaba also participated in the live radio discussion by indicating how the Youths Livelihood Program will be functioning. “The program will function with the government (local leaders) right away from village level to district level and committees will be chosen to monitor the projects. The program will also focus on skill development among the youths like brick lying, carpentry, welding, pottery, among others”.

Meanwhile, Mr. Basiima indicated how funds will be allocated during the implementation of the program. “The Youths Livelihood Program is a five year program that has been funded by 265(two hundred and sixty five) billion shillings. The funds will be divided into three components which will include youths livelihood component with 70%, skills development component with 20% and institutional development component with 10%. Money will only be given to people who are in organized groups of 10-15 members”.

Local listeners also participated in the live radio discussion through call ins to raise their issues and concerns. “Will people with education courses like teaching be helped”, asked Kasozi Baptist, “We need accountability of the purchased brick making machine”, said Kasaija Adruf, “Will the funds reach village level”, asked Kahuma, “Will single individuals who already have projects like piggery be helped”, asked Steven from Kicwamba Sub County in Kabarole District. 

The live radio discussion was moderated by Mr. Kasigazi Willy Donanto.