A spirited gathering of nearly 700 young citizens comprising refugees and locals in Kiryandongo District shared ideas, aspirations, and resources at a bold initiative designed to transform displacement into opportunity.
Under the banner “Bridging Opportunity Gaps: Displacement, Dignity, and Work in Uganda,” BrighterMonday Uganda, in collaboration with the Mastercard Foundation’s Young Africa Works strategy, delivered a dynamic forum that blended inspiration with practical tools for tomorrow’s workforce.
Participants engaged in a series of thoughtful and hands-on sessions, Story Circles fostered candid reflections, peer connection, and shared hopes, The Skills Access Station offered practical guidance CV writing, job applications, digital tools, and career planning, At the Policy Dialogue Table, youth and local leaders explored systemic barriers to employment and brainstormed achievable solutions, The Enterprise Showcase celebrated local youth entrepreneurs, offering real-life role models and motivation.
Pamela Kabahesi, BrighterMonday Uganda’s Country Programs Lead, emphasized their commitment to inclusivity, noting that no young person especially those affected by displacement should be overlooked in the search for meaningful work. She added that more than 70,000 youth have already been equipped with skills and tools to become job ready.
Echoing this, Finn Church Aid’s Deputy Country Director Stephen Ssenkima urged that “Nothing for refugees without the refugees,” stressing that many already possess valuable skills that require recognition and certification rather than repetitive training.
Local leaders, including District Chairperson Edith Aliguma Adyeri and RDC Dan Muganga, praised the forum for fostering integration between refugee and host communities while encouraging deeper involvement of youth voices in shaping future solutions.
Looking ahead, organizers plan to expand the initiative, linking young people to internships, apprenticeships, and enterprise-building opportunities that could reshape their futures.