When 16-year-old Nakibuuka Mary lost her mother, she feared her future had closed before it began. A caring local leader introduced her to the Rose Namayanja Foundation (RNF), which selected her for training at the Nakaseke Textile Skills Development and Production Centre. Today, Mary is part of the very first cohort trained at UIRI and a proud beneficiary of the RNF textile programme — stitching her way towards a livelihood and a new sense of hope.
Turning Challenges Into Opportunities
Unemployment hits young people and women in rural Uganda the hardest. Instead of watching another generation struggle, RNF chose to act. The new centre gives locals not just certificates, but the practical skills to survive, thrive, and start businesses.
- Training Capacity: Up to 20 learners every two months.
- Impact: At least 80 graduates each year, each with skills that support entire households.
- Inclusivity: Open to youth, women, and even school dropouts — no academic qualifications required.
“This initiative will not only train locals but also allow those already in the textile business to upgrade their skills,” said Rt Hon. Namayanja Rose Nsereko, RNF’s Founder and Director.
“We are raising a generation of self-reliant Ugandans who will build businesses, employ others, and strengthen their communities.”
State of the Art Training
Thanks to RNF’s partnership with UIRI, the centre boasts industrial sewing machines worth UGX 200 million. Learners train on the same technology used in large-scale factories, preparing them for real-world production and entrepreneurship.Prof. Charles Kwesiga, UIRI’s Executive Director, explained:
“This programme is designed to bridge the gap between training and production. It’s about creating meaningful livelihoods, not just issuing certificates.”
Building Entrepreneurs, Not Just Workers
The Nakaseke Centre doubles as a community production hub:
- Local tailors can access the machines at a small fee.
- Graduates can launch businesses supplying school uniforms, corporate wear, and more.
- The centre will serve Nakaseke, Luweero, and Nakasongola districts — reaching hundreds of families.
Local shop owner Milly Nakafeero is already looking ahead:“I hope to improve my business and attract tenders to supply school uniforms and other institutions.”
Aligning With Uganda’s Skills AgendaThis project is more than a training centre; it is RNF’s contribution to Uganda’s vision of self-reliance, value addition, and community transformation. By equipping women and youth with market-ready skills, we are breaking the cycle of unemployment and planting the seeds of rural industries.
Looking Ahead
At the Rose Namayanja Foundation, we believe empowerment is the foundation of sustainable development. For girls like Nakibuuka Mary — who once stood at the edge of despair — the Nakaseke Textile Skills Development and Production Centre is not just about stitching fabric. It is about stitching futures, dignity, and hope for entire communities.
