Standard Chartered Bank Uganda and the Rotary Club of Muyenga Tankhill have launched a six-month skills development programme targeting 20 vulnerable young people, mainly young women, in Muyenga and surrounding communities.
The Standard Chartered–Rotary Skills for Change Cohort 2026, implemented through Einstein Rising’s Skills for Change programme, will equip beneficiaries with practical skills in tailoring, garment production and entrepreneurship.
The programme targets young people from communities including Kikubamutwe, Namuwongo and Kansanga, with the organisers seeking to help them acquire skills that can translate into employment and income-generating opportunities.
The launch, held yesterday in Kampala, also saw the official handover of a Shs 25 million sponsorship cheque from Standard Chartered Bank Uganda to support the programme.
Margaret Kigozi, Standard Chartered’s head of corporate affairs, brand and marketing, said youth entrepreneurship has the potential to create economic opportunities and transform communities, but young entrepreneurs continue to face barriers.
“In Uganda, youth entrepreneurship has the potential to positively impact local communities through the creation of economic opportunities. Yet many young entrepreneurs continue to face barriers, from limited access to capital and market information, to inadequate technical assistance and support systems,” Kigozi said.
She said the challenges are particularly pronounced among young women, adding that the beneficiaries had taken an important step towards building their skills, confidence and livelihoods.
The programme goes beyond vocational training, with participants expected to receive manual tailoring machine starter kits to help them transition into self-employment or secure jobs after completing the training.
The beneficiaries will also have an opportunity to showcase their products through Fashion for Impact, an initiative intended to connect emerging designers and entrepreneurs to potential markets, partners and buyers.
Kigozi commended the Rotary Club of Muyenga Tankhill for its leadership in the partnership, particularly past president Kenneth Rubango and current president Rebecca Mwesigwa Luwaga.
She also recognised Einstein Rising, the programme implementer, for its role in delivering the six-month initiative.
The initiative is supported through the Standard Chartered Foundation and is part of the bank’s efforts to promote economic inclusion and address inequality by equipping young women and underserved youth with skills and opportunities.
The bank said its support is guided by its commitment to helping young people gain relevant skills, confidence and practical support to build sustainable livelihoods and contribute to the development of their communities.
The Rotary Club of Muyenga Tankhill will work with Einstein Rising to oversee implementation, monitor participants’ progress and outcomes, and promote accountability throughout the programme.
The partnership is also part of Standard Chartered’s broader community investment efforts under its brand promise, “Here for good, Here for our Communities.”
