“We want every young person to leave with not just knowledge, but a livelihood.” – Principal, Rwentanga Farm School
In the green heart of Rwentanga, a powerful conversation began, one that may redefine how we view youth employment and agriculture in Uganda.
On June 24th, 2025, Rwentanga Farm School hosted a pivotal engagement meeting that brought together minds and hearts committed to empowering young people through agribusiness. This meeting, inspired by the goals of the MUST IUC UCoBS Project 5, sought to create synergies between institutions to unlock new opportunities for youth employability through agriculture.
🌍 The Power of Partnership
The meeting gathered diverse but aligned partners:
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST)
- Karel de Grote (KDG) University, Belgium
- Rwentanga Farm School
- Mbarara Rise Foundation
From university corridors in Belgium to farm trails in Uganda, one message was clear when knowledge, passion, and community come together, impact follows.
Dr. Tumuhimbise Manasseh from MUST IUC UCoBS Project shared a vision: to bridge the gap between agriculture and employability, especially for youth who are often left behind in the informal sector. He emphasized practical training, short courses, and value chain engagement as tools to turn agriculture into a sustainable source of income for young people.
🏞️ A Tour of Potential
Before the dialogue began, participants took a tour of Rwentanga’s impressive agro-processing facility. From honey and mushroom wine to skin oil and herbal pesticides, the farm is not just growing crops it is growing innovation.
These value-added products are more than commodities. They are proof that agriculture, when supported with skills and technology, can uplift youth and communities.
Fermentation room for banana and mushroom wine.🌿 Lessons from Belgium, Hope for Uganda
Tunde, a Lecturer from KDG University and a food security enthusiast, brought global insights into the local context. In Belgium, he works with organic food stores to recover unsold produce and redistribute it to underserved communities. His passion for food justice is matched by his commitment to youth empowerment especially those out of school and struggling with mental health challenges.
He shared practical approaches in psychosocial support and community outreach that could be adapted to Rwentanga’s setting. His offer to support capacity building and foster institutional exchange was met with excitement and gratitude.
🧑🏽🌾 The Voices from the Farm
The Principal of Rwentanga Farm School echoed a powerful truth: youth unemployment is not just a statistic it’s a daily challenge, especially for those who fall out of the education system. Using the "education triangle" model, he highlighted the urgency to support dropouts who are often ignored.
Rwentanga’s approach is bold every student is expected to leave school with a personal business plan. This isn’t just about training; it’s about building real futures. And with the upcoming GROW Project funding new facilities like hatcheries and feed production units, these ambitions are within reach.
🤝 The Path Forward
As the conversation deepened, clear action points emerged:
✅ Develop and offer practical, certified short courses for youth and farmers
✅ Create shared-use spaces and demonstration farms for hands-on training
✅ Facilitate student and staff exchange programs with KDG University
✅ Write joint grants for infrastructure and program funding
✅ Foster visibility and knowledge sharing through IT and media support
An MOU between MUST and KDG University is already in motion, with Rwentanga and Mbarara Rise as key partners.
✨ A Future Worth Cultivating
What began as a conversation is now blooming into a partnership that holds promise for thousands of youths across Uganda. The collaborative spirit between academia, communities, and international partners is fertile ground for a new kind of agriculture one that feeds minds, futures, and economies.
As the Principal of Rwentanga said, “If we do this right, we won’t just be helping youth survive — we’ll be helping them thrive.”