Kiryandongo, Uganda: Baylor Uganda, with support from UNICEF, has donated 40 sewing machines to adolescent girls in Kiryandongo District to boost livelihoods and curb rising cases of teenage pregnancies and school dropout.
The beneficiaries recently completed tailoring training at the Bunyoro Presidential Industrial Hub and other vocational institutions, positioning them to immediately transition into income-generating activities.
District leaders and development partners described the intervention as timely, noting that equipping girls with practical skills and tools is critical in addressing socio-economic vulnerabilities affecting young women.
While officiating at the handover ceremony, Kiryandongo Assistant Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Morris Tumusiime commended Baylor Uganda for its continued support across health and education sectors.
“This support comes at a critical time and will go a long way in equipping these young girls with sustainable skills to earn a living and build independent futures,” Tumusiime said.
He added that the donation complements ongoing government efforts to tackle teenage pregnancies and early school dropout through youth skilling programmes.
Martin Kauta, a Program Officer at Baylor Uganda, called on district leaders to strengthen monitoring systems to ensure the initiative delivers long-term impact.
“We call upon the district leadership to ensure these girls are supported beyond this point. Proper monitoring will help them translate these skills into meaningful livelihoods,” Kauta said.
He cautioned beneficiaries against selling the machines for short-term financial gain, urging them instead to use the equipment as a foundation for economic independence. “Resist the temptation of quick money. These machines are your foundation for a better future,” he added.
Kiryandongo Assistant Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Inasuku Gloria Natacha applauded Baylor Uganda and UNICEF for prioritising vulnerable adolescent girls, expressing confidence that the initiative would transform lives.
“This is an opportunity to change your life story. Use these tools wisely and grow your skills into sustainable businesses,” Natacha advised.
Beneficiaries drawn from different parts of the district expressed gratitude, saying the sewing machines would enable them to start small tailoring enterprises and become self-reliant.
The initiative aligns with broader national efforts to promote youth skilling, economic empowerment, and poverty reduction as pathways to sustainable social transformation.
If you would like your article/opinion to be published on Uganda’s most authoritative news platform, send your submission on: [email protected]. You can also follow DailyExpress on WhatsApp and on Twitter (X) for realtime updates.
