By Zoomer Africa Editorial

Young people in the Nebbi Catholic Diocese have been encouraged to form income-generating groups to tap into economic opportunities and participate in the cash economy. 

The call was made by Zombo Woman MP and Parliamentary Commissioner, Esther Afoyochan, during a recent Youth Day celebration at Warr Deanery, where she donated 100 plastic chairs valued at over UGX 3 million to the church youth group.

Speaking at the event organized by the diocese, Afoyochan emphasized the power of collective action, noting that youth groups enable easier access to support, including government programs like the Youth Livelihood Program and Emyooga.

"Forming groups gives youths a breakthrough to start projects like tent and chair rentals or music systems, which can generate income for their initiatives," she said.

The MP urged youths across other dioceses and parishes to emulate this model to earn a sustainable living.

" The donation of chairs, initially requested by the Warr Deanery youth, was part of a broader appeal for equipment to support their income-generating activities" Afoyochan explained, adding " They gave me a list of needs, but I chose chairs for now as it’s what I could afford. We purchased 100 chairs for UGX 3.6 million."

Zombo Woman MP and Parliamentary Commissioner Esther Afoyochan posed for photo with youths after the function.

Youth leaders praised the MP’s contribution to the church and appealed for further assistance to expand their projects.

The initiative comes amid concerns over persistent unemployment and poverty among Ugandan youths, despite government efforts to roll out poverty alleviation programs targeting young people.

However, experts and local leaders have raised concerns about the misuse of funds from programs like Emyooga, YLP, PDM with some youths diverting resources to luxuries instead of sustainable ventures. This has fueled calls for a mindset shift among young people to embrace group-based economic activities and leverage available opportunities for long-term financial empowerment.

Some of the donated plastic chairs.

According to Afoyuchan , by forming groups, youths can access resources, share skills, and build resilience, positioning themselves to combat unemployment, poverty, and related challenges driven by economic pressures.

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