400 refugees equipped with entrepreneurship skills

The six-month training has seen refugees from over 10 African countries benefit from a project spearheaded by Dr. Anthony Tibaingana.

Dr. Tibaingana said that he conceived the idea in 2019 following research about refugees in which he found that they are one of the vulnerable groups that need help improving their livelihoods.

“They were trained to generate business ideas, to develop the ideas, and also market the ideas and transform them into real businesses,” Dr. Tibangana said.

Dr. Tibaingana said he wanted refugees to be self-reliant and grow economically to support their families and also thrive economically in the business arena.

“We awarded them certificates such that even when they leave this country and go to other countries, they will have a skill that they can use to survive,” Dr. Tibaingana said, adding, “Uganda is the second country in hosting refugees and there is need for avenues to integrate the refugees into economic activities to reduce on the crime rate in the country.”

The Bondeko Refugee Livelihoods Center’s Chairperson, Patricia Driver, who was the guest of honor at the event, advised the beneficiaries to make the most of what little they have while they wait for financial support to arrive.

“Think about working together because, at the end of the day, we are always strong when we are together. Everything on this earth starts small. This is a new start for all of you to change your lives. Be ambassadors of your fellow refugees who did not make it to this training and stay committed to changing your lives and those of your families once and for all,” Driver said.

Dr. Jude Thaddeo Mugarura, the head of the Department of Marketing and Business at COBAMS, said they were committed to supporting the refugees in their businesses even after the training.

Additionally, Dr. Mugarura mentioned that they would continue to provide mentorship and guidance to ensure the refugees’ success in their entrepreneurial endeavors. In addition to praising Dr. Tibaingana for his research, Ezra Byakutangaza, a representative of the Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF), promised on behalf of the Fund to continue funding any projects that have an impact on the lives of the nation’s most vulnerable citizens.

He also highlighted the potential for these projects to create a positive ripple effect, not only improving the lives of refugees but also contributing to the overall development and prosperity of the nation.

Many refugees are not recognized even though they have qualifications from their home countries, according to Samantha Simbi, Administrative Assistant at the Association of Refugees with Disabilities in Najjanankumbi (ARD).

However, since they have received training from Makerere University, they are now prepared to even apply for jobs. Simbi highlighted that the lack of recognition of refugees’ qualifications often leads to underemployment or unemployment.