By Our Reporter
Uganda Breweries Limited (UBL) has rewarded 8 youths with seed capital of UGX 7 million to boost their startup businesses, following their outstanding performance in the UBL skills for life program. The youths, 4 of whom are girls have been part of UBL’s Skills for Life scholarship initiative for academically deserving yet economically disadvantaged students.
The seed capital was handed over during the student’s graduation ceremony that was officiated by George Mutekanga, the Commissioner in charge of Private schools and Institution of Higher Learning.
In 2019, UBL offered 40 scholarships worth UGX 116 million for the students to pursue vocational courses from Datamine Technical Business School and Africa College of Commerce and Technology (ACCT), Kabale. Through a technical expert – Enterprise Uganda, UBL also provided career guidance and supported the beneficiaries to start up various businesses to provide revenue. Of the 40 students that were awarded scholarships, 24 of these were female and 16 males.
“The 60:40 ratio of female to male students was a deliberate effort by Uganda Breweries Limited in a bid to champion inclusion and diversity by giving more opportunities to female students. UBL is committed to elevating and empowering female talent because we acknowledge that a diverse culture is intrinsic to the success the business. We are continuously striving towards achieving gender balance by creating opportunities for female students and equipping them with hands-on skills that prepare them for the job market.” Said David Onyango the UBL Head of communication and sustainability.
The Director of Enterprise Uganda, Rosemary Mutyabule noted that the students who received the start-up capital were selected based on their capacity to execute and implement business projects.
“We also assessed the sales that were made since they started the business, the profits made, the number of employment opportunities that have been created by the business and the general contribution of the business to the neighboring community.” She added.
The students who received seed capital included; Arinda Kofudensi, Tumukunde Immaculate, Nsabiyunva Vian, Nyesiga frances from ACCT, Kabale and Nangendo Allen, Namukwaya Blessed, Basoile Muhamed, and Moses Mukooba from Datamine Technical Business School.
In an effort to push women empowerment agenda further, UBL also runs an apprenticeship program for female university students taking courses in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) to give them a learning and employment opportunities in male dominated fields.