By Mike Rwothomio and Brenda Acen

Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development has officially launched the Integrated Community Learning for Wealth Creation (ICOLEW) Programme in Zombo District. 

This rollout forms part of the nationwide expansion under the Support to Integrated Community Learning for Wealth Creation (SUICOLEW) project.

The launch occurred on January 5, 2026, in Paidha Town Council, designated as the primary pilot and model site for implementation in this lower local government unit.

ICOLEW is a community-based adult learning and education initiative aimed at low-literate, neo-literate, and semi-literate youth and adults aged 15 years and above. It integrates functional literacy and numeracy skills with livelihoods development to foster demand for and sustain lifelong learning opportunities.

During the Paidha meeting, Harriet Akello, Assistant Commissioner for Adult Literacy at the Ministry, emphasized the need for strong institutional support and ownership.

She urged leaders to sustain the programme beyond project cycles, stating: "Once you receive this program, let it stay... It should never exit, let it influence mindset change because we want you to utilize PDM and change your life."

The programme supports socio-economic empowerment, mindset change, and active participation in development processes, aligning with Uganda's Non-Formal Adult Learning and Community Education Strategy (NALCES).

Walter Ongiera, Senior Community Development Officer for Zombo District, expressed gratitude for the district's selection among limited beneficiaries, viewing ICOLEW as a strategic intervention.

Meanwhile Judith Fuacan, Clerk to Council for Paidha Town Council, called for intensified grassroots mobilization to boost community participation and learner recruitment in this non-formal education effort.

The move come as Uganda continues to grapple with significant challenges in adult literacy and poverty.

According to the 2022 available data from UNESCO and the World Bank , the national adult literacy rate between ages 15 and above, stands at approximately 80.59%, meaning about 19.4% of adults remain illiterate. This represents progress from earlier years, though disparities persist, particularly in rural and marginalized areas.

Poverty remains a linked barrier, with recent estimates indicating a national poverty rate of around 20.3% (based on the 2019/20 national line. Rural poverty is notably higher, exacerbating cycles of limited access to education and economic opportunities.

In Zombo District, located in the West Nile region, these issues are more pronounced. Local reports from organizations such as Life Concern indicate that about 65% of youths are unable to read and write, reflecting elevated illiteracy levels compared to the national average.

To ensure community ownership, stakeholder orientation and sensitization meetings were conducted on February 4, 2026, at Zombo District Community Hall, and February 5, 2026, in Paidha Town Council. These engaged political and technical leaders, NGOs/FBOs, traditional and religious leaders, media, opinion leaders, academia, and special interest groups.

Key features of the Zombo rollout include:Prioritizing renovation of existing community learning centres for cost-effectiveness, Designation of Paidha Town Council as the pilot/model site.

Training of local leaders and technical staff for integrated interventions.

Formation of Community Empowerment Groups (CEGs) and development of contextually relevant learning materials.

Stakeholders from Paidha town council for orientation meeting with officials from ministry of Gender at Paidha town council Library.

Mike Rwothomio is news editor at zoomer Africa, your number one grassroot information hub