Mbale, Uganda: THRIVE Uganda has launched 20 community hubs across the country in a major push to empower Bugisu region communities through self-help skills development, innovation, and community-driven transformation.
The initiative was officially unveiled on Friday at THRIVE Uganda offices in Mbale District, bringing together development partners, local leaders, and community representatives committed to advancing grassroots empowerment.
The community hubs are designed to promote learning beyond traditional classrooms, nurture practical solutions to local challenges, and equip young people with skills to shape their own futures.
Speaking at the launch, THRIVE Uganda Country Director Caleb Wakhungu said the programme seeks to strengthen community-led development by enabling citizens, particularly young people, to take charge of their own progress.
He noted that many young people are increasingly reclaiming their agency, identifying opportunities within their communities and turning challenges into solutions. “We move forward with hope and conviction, knowing that lasting change must be rooted in communities themselves.”
According to Wakhungu, the 20 hubs have been strategically established across different parts of Uganda to ensure broader participation and maximise impact at the grassroots level.
Namisindwa District Chairperson Emma Bwayo, who officiated as Guest of Honour, welcomed the initiative and praised THRIVE Uganda for investing in community empowerment.
Bwayo expressed appreciation that Namisindwa District will host three of the newly launched hubs located in Namabya, Mukoto and Bubutu. He urged residents to embrace the centres and utilise the opportunities they offer for skills acquisition, entrepreneurship and economic empowerment.
“The people of Namisindwa should take full advantage of these hubs because they provide an opportunity for communities to acquire skills, innovate and improve household incomes,” Bwayo said.
Linking Skills to Wealth Creation
The district chairperson further encouraged graduates and programme beneficiaries to tap into government wealth-creation initiatives such as the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emyooga.
He said combining skills development with access to government support programmes would help communities achieve sustainable economic growth and improve livelihoods.
Bwayo noted that empowering young people with practical skills remains critical in addressing unemployment and unlocking local economic potential.
The initiative is being implemented in partnership with MCDI, SINA and USAFI, organisations that share a common vision of promoting self-reliance, local enterprise development and sustainable community transformation.
Project leaders say the hubs will serve as centres for learning, innovation, mentorship and enterprise development, helping communities generate solutions tailored to their own needs.
The programme is expected to strengthen local enterprises, activate community participation and accelerate community-driven development across Uganda.
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