Published By ACB | January 31, 2026
The EmpowerUp Iganga Project, a flagship initiative of +256 Youth Platform, has successfully transformed the lives of over 500 young people through comprehensive skills training and entrepreneurship development. The six-month program, which concluded last month, has achieved remarkable success in reducing youth unemployment and fostering economic independence in the region.
Launched in July 2025, the EmpowerUp Iganga Project targeted vulnerable youth aged 18-35, providing them with marketable skills in various trades including tailoring, carpentry, computer literacy, and modern agriculture. The program adopted a holistic approach, combining technical skills training with business management, financial literacy, and mentorship.
“The impact of this project goes beyond just skills acquisition,” explains Sarah Williams, Programs Director at +256 Youth Platform. “We’ve seen young people who were once hopeless become confident entrepreneurs, employers, and community leaders. That’s the transformation we’re talking about.”
Outstanding achievements from the project include:
– 85% of graduates have started their own businesses or found employment
– 23 new businesses established across Iganga District
– 150 youth received startup kits and seed funding
– 95% pass rate in technical skills assessments
– Establishment of 5 youth savings and credit groups
The program’s success is attributed to its innovative approach that combines practical training with real-world experience. Participants were attached to local businesses for internships, received mentorship from successful entrepreneurs, and participated in business plan competitions where winners received startup capital.
One of the program’s success stories is Aisha Nakato, a 24-year-old mother of two who completed the tailoring course and now runs a successful clothing business in Iganga town. “Before this program, I struggled to feed my children,” Aisha shares. “Today, I employ three people and can afford to send my children to good schools. This program changed my life completely.”
The project has attracted attention from government officials and development partners, who are now exploring ways to replicate the model in other districts.
