- The youth of Musongola village in Kapyanga Sub-County, Bugiri district, are finding hope and economic resilience through mushroom farming, transforming past struggles into opportunities for financial independence.
Through the efforts of Kapyanga GTA, an association of over 40 male and female teenagers, the youth are tapping into the growing mushroom industry to build sustainable livelihoods.
The group, affiliated with Straight Talk Foundation Uganda, Men Engage, and Sonke Gender Justice, includes former sex workers, drug abusers, and school dropouts who are now united under the common goal of economic empowerment.
Jalia Tibikoma, a youth leader in the initiative, explained that poverty was the main motivation behind the project.
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"We realized that poverty was our primary challenge. So, we decided to start an income-generating activity to help us fight it," she said.
The group initially experimented with groundnuts but faced multiple challenges, prompting a shift to mushroom farming--a venture that has since proved lucrative and sustainable.
"We harvest and earn Shs150,000 daily," Tibikoma added.
Proceeds are split among members, with part reinvested into the project, enabling the youth to meet personal needs and fund future initiatives.
Among the beneficiaries is Zaina Namaganda, a teenage mother and school dropout, who described the transformative impact of the program.
"I never thought I could have money in my pocket every day. Now, with the skills I've gained, I have hope for a brighter future," she said, adding that she plans to start her own gardening project.
The initiative also integrates Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) education, providing structure and community cohesion.
Despite the successes, the youth face obstacles, including limited capital for land acquisition and constructing mushroom shelters, which would allow them to scale production to meet growing demand.
Mr. Twesigye Luke, Coordinator for SRHR in Straight Talk Foundation Uganda for Iganga and Bugiri, lauded the initiative.
"It's gratifying to see the efforts of the youth transforming into tangible results," he said.
"Instead of simply providing financial assistance, we equip young people with skills and knowledge to develop sustainable solutions to the challenges they face."
Luke noted that mushroom farming was not the only enterprise being explored; groundnut farming and other income-generating activities have also been proposed.
The SRHR program aims to build the capacity of young people, women, girls, and persons with disabilities to tackle issues including teenage pregnancies, child marriages, school dropouts, substance abuse, and economic marginalization.
Ms. Babra Mutesi Evelyn, a community champion of the program, highlighted broader positive changes in Bugiri since Straight Talk Foundation Uganda's intervention.
"Previously, issues like gender-based violence, school dropouts, and drug abuse were rampant. Now, youth are engaged in poultry, goat farming, and savings groups, becoming productive members of society," she said.
Beyond agriculture, many young people have embraced vocational skills such as tailoring, hairdressing, and metal fabrication, further boosting income and promoting self-reliance.
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Some parents, recognizing the importance of education, have re-enrolled their children in schools or vocational programs.
Nayi Kawere, former District Education Officer of Bugiri and Prime Minister for Bukholi Chiefdom, commended the initiative, noting its wider social impact.
"Through school visits and community engagements, we are beginning to see a positive transformation. The collective effort to promote education and economic empowerment is creating lasting change," Kawere said.
The success of Kapyanga GTA and its mushroom farming initiative underscores the resilience and determination of Bugiri's youth.
Despite challenging pasts, these young people are proving that with the right support, skills, and opportunities, they can forge a path to financial independence and community development.
