The East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) Ltd has facilitated the skilling of youth from project-affected households as part of the Resettlement Action Plan (RAP). These vocational skills are intended to boost members of these affected households’ capacity to earn an income and improve their resilience to shocks that may arise after displacement through self-employment or getting paid employment.
A total of 456 students and 217 are female students from affected households in Gomba, Kyotera, Lwengo, Rakai and Sembabule districts were enrolled at Mummy’s Institute of Beauty and Commercial studies, St Charles Lwanga Technical Institute Butende and Masaka Vocational Training Institute. They have completed 3 months of Vocational training and 1 month of internship. This brings the total of youth trained from project- affected households along the entire Pipeline route to 1,476.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony, EACOP Social Performance Manager, Rosie Birungi, said, “We are greatly honored to empower youth from project-affected households with vocational skills. We believe that equipping them with the right skills will not only enhance their capacity to start their own enterprises but also enable them to engage in productive activities that can improve their household incomes.”
Youth have received skills in the disciplines of Motor vehicle mechanics, Welding & Metal fabrication, Motorcycle mechanics, Electrical Installation, Hairdressing, Plumbing, Carpentry, Cosmetology, Building & construction. The youth will receive starter kits that suit their specific vocational programs to start their journey to employment.
Support through EACOP contractors ASIGMA Ltd was in the form of tuition, scholastic materials, and welfare while undergoing training. This initiative is part of the company’s commitment to empower affected households through a livelihood restoration program, aiming to restore, transition, and improve their livelihoods by utilizing available household resources post-resettlement
According to World Bank data, a majority of the nation’s populace, exceeding 75%, falls below the age of 30. However, according to the Uganda Bureau of Statistic’s National Labour Force Survey 2021, the youth unemployment rate remains a big challenge, registering at 17%, which surpasses the national average unemployment rate of 11.7%, as reported by the Ministry of Labour and National Development.
“Our greatest joy lies in making a difference in the lives of these young people by equipping them with valuable skills that will positively transform their future. We are confident that they will, in time, become role models for others, passing on the knowledge they have acquired. We encourage them to remain resilient and professional as they embark on this new journey.”
