ZOMBO YOUTHS CELEBRATE SUCCESS UNDER CEFORD’S ARADU PI FUR II PROJE

By Mike Rwothomio

Zombo

A significant number of youths trained and equipped through the Community Empowerment for Rural Development (CEFORD) Aradu Pi Fur II project have reported remarkable transformations in their livelihoods, citing improved incomes and expanded agribusiness operations.

The youth skilling initiative focuses on key enterprises including poultry, horticulture, piggery, and apiary. It is being implemented across selected lower local government units in Zombo District including Athuma, Alangi, Atyak, Kango, and Zombo Town Council.

Launched in 2023, the project began with the identification of motivated young participants and the establishment of one-acre demonstration sites that serve as practical training hubs in all project areas .

Thousands of youths have since received intensive training in enterprise management, sustainability, and maintenance of these economically viable ventures.

During a district-level project monitoring visit on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, stakeholders led by CEFORD officials toured project sites in the five implementing sub-counties.

Several youthful beneficiaries showcased their enterprises, which are already generating tangible economic returns.

In Alangi Sub-county’s Gamba Parish, Ndili Village, the team was received by Edmond Okweda, a Senior Four leaver from Aluka Secondary School. Okweda, who underwent training last year at the Alangi Youth Farmer Marketing Association learning centre, received one pig as seed capital at the beginning of 2026.

The pig has since multiplied to seven. He has also established a thriving kitchen garden featuring tomatoes, greens, and other vegetables that provide regular income.

Okweda envisions scaling his piggery operations, stating, “After three years, I see myself becoming the supplier of piglets in this area. As I speak now, so many Congolese are calling me to book more, yet I have few.” Unable to return to school this year due to financial constraints, he remains optimistic: “I will work hard and use these project proceeds to go back to school.”

He urged fellow youths to avoid idleness and embrace hard work, while appealing to the government to support his initiative through programmes such as the Parish Development Model (PDM), Youth Livelihood Programme (YLP), and Emyooga.

Another beneficiary from Ndili Village, Edmond Okirwoth, described the CEFORD project as “a big blessing in my life.” He reported that his pigs have multiplied to eight, complemented by poultry, tomatoes, maize, and cassava cultivation.

Okirwoth called on government leaders to provide additional support through existing programmes to expand their operations.

Consulate Pikwo, a mother of four from Gamba Parish, led the team to her tomato garden located over 500 metres from her home. The lush green tomato plants signal promising yields.

In addition to tomatoes and piggery, Pikwo is an active member of a Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA).

Responding to a question from Zombo District LCV Chairperson James Oruna Oyullu on her future plans, she said, “I have a plan of acquiring a piece of land where I intend to build a permanent house and establish a commercial farming business. I believe it will happen.”

Ms. Comfort Kwiocwiny, Project Officer for Aradu Pi Fur II, commended the district stakeholders for witnessing the youths’ progress. She encouraged beneficiaries to leverage the acquired skills to further increase their incomes, noting that many are already self-employed.

The three-year Aradu Pi Fur II project, funded by the Swiss-based NGO CO: OPERAID, is scheduled to wind up at the end of 2026.

Kwiocwiny urged district government representatives to link the promising young entrepreneurs with ongoing initiatives such as PDM, Emyooga, and YLP.  “With these visible results, we believe we shall attract more funding,” she added.

Zombo LCV Chairperson James Oruna Oyullu, during one-on-one interactions with beneficiaries, encouraged the youths to remain productive and avoid idleness as they work towards becoming job creators in rural areas.

Assistant RDC Isaac Urochi and other officials visited additional sites alongside CEFORD teams across the project areas.

Under the initiative, CEFORD is enhancing the capacity of youths in commercial farming practices through a blend of hands-on and theoretical training.

The programme is inclusive across educational backgrounds and aligns with Uganda’s National Development Plan III and the Agro-Industrialization Programme, complementing government efforts to shift rural economies from subsistence to market-oriented agriculture.

Kwiocwiny noted that youths engaged in horticulture, poultry, and piggery are already reaping benefits, as these enterprises deliver relatively quick returns when managed diligently.

According to the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (2024), youth unemployment in Uganda stands at 6.6%, with rural areas like Zombo facing heightened challenges due to limited skills development and economic opportunities.