More than 200 Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Kayunga District have received hands-on entrepreneurship and vocational skills in a move aimed at boosting self-reliance and economic inclusion.
The two-day training, held at the YOPDIDA Centre in Bukolooto, was organized by Twahirah Islamic Charity Organisation (TICO) in partnership with Coca-Cola Beverages Uganda.
A total of 212 participants attended the training, cutting across different disability categories, including 70 with physical impairments, 13 with hearing difficulties, five visually impaired, five with speech challenges, eight with mental disabilities, and others who participated alongside guardians and guides.
The training combined business knowledge with practical skills tailored to everyday income generation. On the first day, participants were taken through entrepreneurship fundamentals such as bookkeeping, budgeting, customer care, and risk management.
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The second day focused on practical sessions, where trainees learned cookery and bakery, liquid soap production, and bookbinding--skills they can immediately turn into small businesses.
Representing the Resident District Commissioner, Patrick Kasozi urged participants to embrace skills development as a pathway to transformation.
He emphasized that building expertise takes time, encouraging trainees to remain consistent and continue upgrading their skills, while assuring them of government support in accessing equal employment opportunities.
Kayunga Town Council Commercial Officer, Nelly Mirembe hailed the initiative as timely and inclusive.
"I am appreciative of TICO, Coca-Cola Beverages Uganda, the participants and fellow trainers for organising such an inclusive training for Persons with Disabilities. Such trainings are impactful because they reach out to people who are often discriminated against," she said.
She also sensitized participants on government funding opportunities, including the Parish Development Model (PDM), where PWDs are entitled to 10% of district allocations, as well as UWEP and the Youth Livelihood Programme.
Martin Mugenyi , a physically challenged Senior Six vacist, expressed gratitude to the organizers and fellow participants for the opportunity.
"We are privileged as Persons with Disabilities to be part of this training. Learning these skills is a big investment in ourselves and others like us. Harvests are coming," he said.
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He added that the skills acquired will not only support self-reliance but also enable many participants to create sustainable sources of income and improve their livelihoods.
Participants highlighted key challenges affecting PWDs, including limited access to funding, lack of awareness about government programs, and exclusion from meetings due to the absence of sign language interpreters.
Despite these barriers, many trainees expressed renewed confidence, with some already planning to form savings groups and start small businesses.
The training concluded with the awarding of certificates of participation, recognizing the commitment of the trainees and boosting their confidence to venture into business. Although heavy rains and transport constraints affected implementation, organizers noted that the overall impact of the training was significant.
TICO indicated that the next phase will focus on mentorship, improving access to startup capital, and expanding the program to reach more Persons with Disabilities across the region.
The initiative underscores the growing push for inclusive development, showing that with the right skills and support, Persons with Disabilities can actively contribute to Uganda's economic growth.
