Over 2,000 residents of Toroma County in Katakwi District have recently completed a business training program designed to equip them with essential entrepreneurial skills. The training, facilitated by Enterprise Uganda, addressed a common challenge faced by many in the region: the ability to start and run successful businesses despite having limited capital.
Charles Ocici, the Executive Director of Enterprise Uganda, emphasized that building wealth requires more than just talk; it requires action and commitment. He encouraged the participants to take small steps in starting their businesses, noting that even a modest capital of 20,000 Ugandan Shillings could be enough to kickstart a venture. Ocici further stressed the importance of financial discipline, advising participants to avoid reckless spending, particularly when others approach them for help. “You can never solve all people's problems,” he remarked, urging individuals to focus on managing their own finances prudently.
One of Ocici’s key messages was the need for young people to make the most of idle assets, such as land, and turn them into income-generating resources. This, he believes, is a step towards reducing financial insecurity and building a stable future.
Geoffrey Omolo, the Local Council Five (LC5) Chairman of Katakwi, praised Enterprise Uganda for its initiative to bring such training to the community. He acknowledged that many people in the area had long harbored doubts about their ability to succeed in business, largely due to a lack of proper knowledge and skills. Omolo called on the community to embrace the business knowledge they had gained during the training, encouraging them to use it as a tool to improve their livelihoods and raise the standards of their families.
Solomon Ossiya, the newly elected Member of Parliament for Toroma County, also shared his perspective on the challenges faced by the community. He pointed out that financial literacy had been a major barrier to success in business for many people. With the newly acquired knowledge, Ossiya believes that many will be better equipped to navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship and achieve prosperity.
The training has provided the participants with not only the confidence to start their own businesses but also a broader understanding of managing finances, the importance of budgeting, and the practical steps required to succeed in the competitive world of business. Through such initiatives, Enterprise Uganda aims to empower communities and promote economic growth in rural areas.
