Today marked a profound moment in the journey of the MUST UCoBS Project 4 and Project 5, an intervention dedicated to uplifting one of the most vulnerable communities in Kasese District. In our four years of project implementation, few experiences have been as humbling as this.
On the slopes of the majestic Rwenzori ranges, in the villages of Bugoye, Kanyaminigho, Bunyangani, Izinga, and Rwakingi, we met over 40 adolescents aged 13–19. Ninety percent of them are already mothers. Some cradled infants as young as two weeks old yet they arrived with an unshakable hope that this training could be the spark to transform their lives.
Project 4 has been a consistent presence here, running weekly clinics every Friday to provide sexual and reproductive health education, helping to prevent early pregnancies, address domestic violence, and promote healthy relationships. But for young mothers already carrying the weight of parenthood, health knowledge alone is not enough. The need for financial empowerment became urgent.
That’s where the synergy with Project 5 comes in equipping these young women with entrepreneurship and vocational skills for a sustainable livelihood. Over the next five days, they will learn craft-making, bakery skills, and liquid and bar soap production, practical skills that can generate income and restore dignity.
Power pose and getting to know each other.A Day of New Beginnings
Our journey together began today, August 11th, 2025. The atmosphere was electric laughter, light, and connection filled the room as we started with “power poses” to build confidence and unity. Led by Dr. Sarah Nabachwa, our team of 12 project members arrived to warm welcomes. The sight of such a large, committed team created an immediate sense of solidarity and purpose among participants.
The introduction to entrepreneurship was met with excitement. Participants eagerly shared their understanding of business, which Joseph from UIRI expanded by teaching the characteristics of an entrepreneur, the criteria for a viable business idea - solving a problem, doing it uniquely (UVP), targeting a clear customer segment, and ensuring profitability. They learned to identify business opportunities by observing frustrations in their communities, providing scarce but high-demand goods, and creatively filling local gaps.
Participants attentive while Joesph from UIRI introduces them to entrepreneurship.
Recognizing that good health underpins every success, Shakirah guided them through essential lessons on personal well-being, responding to sexual abuse and gender-based violence, and nurturing healthy relationships.
The 50K Challenge Begins
After a delicious lunch, the energy rose again as Dr. Sarah introduced the famous 50K Challenge, an exercise where teams receive UGX 50,000 and 5 hours to turn it into profit. Inspired by success stories from Kaberebere, Rubirizi, and Mbarara, our participants eagerly formed six teams, brainstorming business ideas late into the afternoon.
Tomorrow, they will step into the field, babies on their backs, goods in their hands ready to sell, negotiate, and experience the realities of the business world.
We are deeply grateful to our Flemish partners whose funding made this life-changing intervention possible. Without their support, these young mothers and their communities might never have had such a golden opportunity to rewrite their futures.
This is only the beginning. Watch this space for more inspiring stories from Bugoye-Kasese - stories of resilience, determination, and the unstoppable spirit of young women who refuse to be defined by their circumstances.