A welder in Kyenjojo District, Brian Ayesiga, has transformed his life with government support. He acquired vocational skills at the Kijwiga Presidential Skilling Hub and gained practical experience working in another person's workshop. In 2025, President Yoweri Museveni visited the training centre and gave Ayesiga 10 million Shillings to establish his own business. Ayesiga used the money to rent premises and purchase welding machines and metal materials.
Ayesiga's business has helped him provide for his family and construct a house. He has also started training six young men at his workshop, allowing them to acquire practical skills and prepare for employment. The government's initiatives have enabled residents to acquire vocational skills, access financing, expand their businesses, and diversify their sources of income. Ayesiga is among several residents benefiting from government programmes in Kyenjojo District.
Sidon Kokugonza, a resident of Kihura Sub-county, also benefited from training at the Kijwiga Presidential Skilling Hub, where she studied hairdressing and salon management. After completing her training, Kokugonza worked in a salon and saved money until she could establish her own business. However, she initially lacked essential electrical equipment and had to take clients to a neighbour's salon.
Kokugonza received 10 million Shillings during Museveni's visit to the training centre in 2025, which she invested in her salon. The salon has since grown, and she now trains other people and has ventured into poultry farming to diversify her sources of income. Clare Ahimbisibwe, the chairperson of Kijuma Women Hairdressing and Cosmetics Group, says the group received 10 million Shillings through the Uganda Women Entrepreneurship Programme (UWEP) in 2023.
The group invested the money in a shop selling hair products, accessories, and cosmetics. Ahimbisibwe says the members completed repayment of the funds, including interest, in 2025 and subsequently applied for additional financing. They have since received 12 million Shillings to expand their operations. The business has enabled the members to support their families and pay school fees for their children.
Imelda Kendagano says support under the Parish Development Model helped her rebuild her business after thieves broke into her boutique and stole her merchandise. She received one million Shillings, which she invested in her business, and was able to grow it and diversify into selling dry produce. Anthony Byaruhanga, a coffee farmer, received PDM funds in 2023, which he used to purchase fertilisers and pesticides and received training in improved farming practices.
Byaruhanga's harvest has increased from five bags of 100 kilogrammes each per season to 20 bags. With production rising, he ventured into roasting and grinding coffee into powder, which he sells at a higher price than unprocessed coffee beans. The Kyenjojo District has received 68 billion Shillings under the Parish Development Model, and district officials regularly monitor beneficiaries' enterprises to assess progress and ensure the funds are used for their intended purposes.
Key points
- The government has established different initiatives targeting various groups to help them participate in the money economy, create employment, and improve their livelihoods.
- Residents have been encouraged to take advantage of government financing programmes to establish and grow businesses instead of depending entirely on their husbands for household income.
- The Parish Development Model has enabled residents to access financing, expand their businesses, and diversify their sources of income.
