By Guest Writer
As young Ugandans prepare to transition from vocational training into employment and entrepreneurship, KCB Foundation Uganda is strengthening that journey by ensuring beneficiaries leave with more than technical skills.
This week, beneficiaries under the Foundation’s Twekozese Vocational Skilling Programme at Lugogo Vocational Training Institute and Zziwa Hair Academy received Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and were offered Business Development Services (BDS) training, practical interventions designed to remove some of the common barriers that prevent skilled young people from confidently entering the world of work.
Twekozese is KCB Foundation Uganda’s flagship vocational skilling programme, implemented through partner vocational training institutions across Uganda to equip youth and women with marketable, hands-on skills. Recognising that technical training alone is often not enough, the Foundation continues to complement the programme with practical support that prepares beneficiaries for employment, self-employment and long-term economic independence.
At Lugogo Vocational Training Institute, trainees pursuing Electrical Installation with Solar received PPEs including overalls, safety helmets and workshop boots among others, enabling them to safely participate in practical training, internships and future job placements. For many, the cost of acquiring protective gear would have delayed or limited their ability to transition from the classroom to the workplace.
The beneficiaries also participated in Business Development Services training covering financial management, customer relations, pricing, business planning and entrepreneurship. They further received guidance on workplace expectations and internship preparedness to help them navigate their transition into formal employment or self-employment with confidence.
A similar engagement was held at Zziwa Hair Academy in Nansana, where hairdressing trainees received Business Development Services training focused on customer service, business growth, professionalism, managing competition and entrepreneurial skills. To reinforce professionalism as they begin their careers, beneficiaries also received PPEs including aprons and polo shirts for use during internships and future employment.
These interventions reflect KCB Foundation Uganda’s belief that empowering young people extends beyond providing technical skills. By addressing practical needs such as safety, professional identity and business knowledge, the Foundation is enabling beneficiaries to convert their training into sustainable livelihoods.
“At KCB Foundation Uganda, we believe that true empowerment goes beyond training. It means ensuring young people have the practical tools, business knowledge and confidence to turn their skills into meaningful employment or successful enterprises. Whether it is a solar technician in Lugogo or a hairdresser in Nansana, our role is to enable their journey from learning to earning,” said Stephen Kibuuka, Business Development Manager, KCB Foundation Uganda.
Buriga Henry Johnson, Deputy Principal of Lugogo Vocational Training Institute, welcomed the support, noting that protective equipment is often one of the biggest challenges facing trainees during their skilling sessions as they prepare for industrial placements.
“This PPE handover means our trainees can now step out of the classroom and into real workshops and job sites with the appropriate safety equipment. For many learners, this is the missing link between completing training and beginning a career. We appreciate KCB Foundation Uganda for recognising this need and supporting our students at such an important stage.”
A trainer from Zziwa Hair Academy commended the Business Development Services training as it would significantly improve graduates’ readiness for the workplace.
“While our graduates leave with strong practical skills, many require additional exposure to business management, customer care and professional conduct to succeed in the industry. We are grateful to KCB Foundation Uganda for complementing our training with these valuable sessions and for providing professional attire that gives our students confidence as they begin their careers.”
The engagements form part of ongoing support being extended to the 200 beneficiaries of the 2026 Twekozese cohort, who are currently undertaking vocational training across 10 partner vocational training institutions throughout the country.
Through Twekozese, KCB Foundation Uganda continues to invest in practical skills development while supporting youth and women with the resources, knowledge and confidence needed to build sustainable livelihoods, create employment opportunities and contribute meaningfully to their communities. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
