By Patrick Jude Mugisha, Executive Director – International Foundation for Recovery and Development (IFRAD)
Across Uganda and indeed much of Africa, young people make up the majority of the population, carrying within them the greatest promise for our continent’s transformation. Yet, for too long, this potential has remained underutilized. At IFRAD, we believe that investing in young women and youth is not just a moral imperative, it is an economic and social necessity for building a sustainable and inclusive future.
Young Women at the Heart of Change
When a young woman earns a dignified livelihood, the ripple effects are undeniable. Her income sustains a family, educates siblings, strengthens community resilience, and transforms local economies. Yet, structural and social barriers continue to deny millions of young women equal access to education, finance, markets, and leadership spaces. In rural Uganda, many remain trapped in informal, low-paying work despite their creativity and determination.
This is why IFRAD places young women at the center of our programs, not as passive recipients of aid, but as innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders in their own right. Through our various initiatives and programs, we are working to dismantle these barriers by equipping women with the technical skills, market linkages, and financial tools they need to thrive.
Unlocking Livelihoods Through Inclusion and Innovation
Our approach goes beyond training. It’s about unlocking ecosystems that sustain opportunity. By connecting youth to climate-smart agricultural technologies, digital finance, and enterprise development services, we create pathways for lasting transformation. Through partnerships with the private sector, local governments, and financial institutions, we are strengthening the value chains that drive rural economies while ensuring that young people are active market actors, such as producers, processors, traders, and service providers.
We recognize that economic inclusion is incomplete without social inclusion. That’s why IFRAD intentionally integrates gender-transformative and disability-inclusive strategies across all programs. By working with communities to challenge harmful norms and promote shared decision-making, we ensure that every young person regardless of gender or ability has the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to their household, community, and nation.
A Future Built by Young Hands
The future of Uganda’s economy lies not in large businesses but in the ingenuity and resilience of its youth and micro-enterprises. Each business we help start, each young woman we train, and each cooperative we strengthen is a step toward a more equitable and prosperous society.
At IFRAD Uganda, we are not just empowering individuals; we are building systems that empower generations. Our aim is clear: a Uganda where every young woman and man has the tools, confidence, and opportunity to build a life of dignity and purpose. Because when youth rise, communities prosper and nations thrive. And we are happy for you to support our cause by reaching out directly and we can provide guidance on how you can be a part of our story.
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