Unlocking Economic Potential: TeamUp Handsover a Modern Maize Mill to Youth in Kassanda
Young people in Kamuli Sub-county, Kassanda District, are celebrating a significant milestone with the launch of a modern value-addition facility (a maize mill) constructed by TeamUp Uganda. This initiative aims to empower youth, boost local economic growth, and address food security challenges in the area.
A New Chapter for Youth Empowerment
Speaking on behalf of 720 young people united under the Kamuli Youth Empowerment Centre, the Chairperson, Henry Muyanja, expressed his excitement, stating, “This maize mill marks a new chapter for us. It provides us with the tools and opportunities to achieve economic self-sufficiency and build a sustainable future.” He emphasised the facility’s potential to create jobs, enhance food security, and drive local economic development.
Youth-Led Initiative
The facility named Kamuli Youth Millers operates under the governance of the Kamuli Youth Empowerment Centre, and is a testament to the power of youth-led initiatives. It offers investment opportunities for youth groups and individuals through shareholding, providing a platform for collective economic growth.
Youth are actively involved in all aspects of the mill’s operations, including maize supply, operation, maintenance, and administration. The state-of-the-art facility can process up to 800kgs of maize per hour, contributing significantly to the local economy and improving livelihoods.
Partnerships for Impact
The project is a result of strong partnerships between TeamUp Uganda, the government, and local communities. Yafesi Ogwang, Assistant Commissioner for Agribusiness at the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, commended the initiative, urging increased maize production to ensure the mill’s sustainable success.
“This facility is a testament to the power of youth empowerment and the positive impact of private-public partnerships,” said Yafesi Ogwang, Assistant Commissioner for Agribusiness at the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, while officially opening the mill. He said the facility has provided opportunities for youth to be healthy and economically productive.
Empowering the Future
Felix Opio, Co-Country Manager of Hanns R. Neumann Stiftung, emphasised the significance of equipping young people with essential skills and fostering a mindset that encourages engagement in productive ventures. Monica Basemera, Coordinator of TeamUp Uganda, reiterated the implementing partners’ dedication to fostering youth empowerment through innovative projects in agriculture, water, and health.
Support from local leaders
The District Chairman, Fred Kasirye Zimula, the Senior Assistant Chief Administrative Officer and other district officials committed to supporting the youth to run the facility as a profitable and sustainable business enterprise.
The Resident District Commissioner, Phoebe Namulindwa, called upon the youth to commit to remaining healthy, working hard, avoiding criminal activities and creating a bright future for themselves and the next generation.
Youth exhibitors
At the function, young people exhibited their innovations and products under social enterprises in agriculture, health and water sectors which TeamUp Uganda helped them to start.
