Zombo, Uganda: The Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development has launched the rehabilitation of community learning centres in Zombo District as part of a nationwide initiative under the Integrated Community Learning for Wealth Creation (ICOLEW) programme.
The programme, a five-year intervention, targets low-literate, neo-literate, and semi-literate youth and adults aged 15 years and above, combining functional literacy with livelihood skills to promote sustainable income generation.
Zombo is among three districts, alongside Kaliro and Rakai, selected for the initial phase of the project, which aims to expand community-based adult learning across Uganda.
Under the initiative, six learning centres in Zombo will be rehabilitated, including Paidha Cultural Centre, Alangi Community Hall, Zeu, Nyapea, Warr Community Centre, and Athuma Social Centre.
These centres will serve as hubs for training in village savings, financial literacy, and community development, among other livelihood skills.
The intervention comes at a time when Zombo faces significant socio-economic challenges.
According to the latest multidimensional poverty index by UBOS, the district’s poverty rate stands at 44 percent, while local reports indicate that up to 65 percent of youth struggle with basic literacy and numeracy skills.
Officials say the programme is expected to play a key role in addressing these gaps.
Mr Everest Tumwesigye, Commissioner for Community Development and Literacy at the ministry, officially handed over the Paidha Cultural Centre site to EBA Business and Finance Company Ltd on March 27, in a project valued at Shs197.6 million.
“We are handing over this site to the contractor, who is expected to deliver within 60 days,” Tumwesigye said, urging district leaders to closely monitor the works.
He emphasized that the success of the project will demonstrate government commitment to community-based development programmes.
The ICOLEW programme, approved in December 2024 and implemented starting FY 2025/26, is expected to cover 77 districts over five years.
Government targets to rehabilitate at least 213 community learning centres nationwide under the programme.
Tumwesigye revealed that procurement of furniture, equipment, and learning materials is already underway to ensure centres are fully functional upon completion.
Fulgence Turyatemba, Executive Director of EBA Business and Finance Company Ltd, assured stakeholders of quality work within the stipulated timeframe.
Local leaders welcomed the project, describing it as timely. The LCIII Chairperson of Paidha Town Council, Innocent Godfred Onega, said the centre, originally constructed in 2003, has long served as a key venue for community and government activities.
“This project has come at the right time. We urge the contractor to use local labour and materials so our people can also benefit,” Onega said.
Assistant Resident District Commissioner Bruno Mananu emphasized the need for quality work and peaceful collaboration among stakeholders, warning against sabotage.
Officials say once rehabilitation is complete, the ministry will conduct diagnostic studies to design tailored programmes for each centre, aligned with local needs such as agriculture, Parish Development Model (PDM), environment, and health services.
The programme aligns with Uganda’s Non-Formal Adult Learning and Community Education Strategy (NALCES), which seeks to promote lifelong learning and socio-economic transformation.
Nationally, Uganda’s adult literacy rate stands at approximately 80.6 per cent, leaving nearly one in five adults unable to read and write. With rural poverty estimated at over 20 per cent, officials say integrated community learning is critical to breaking cycles of poverty and exclusion.
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