Where Promise Meets Progress: Youth in Work in Action

Gulu University in collaboration with eight partners (Muni University as the consortium lead, Meeting Point Kitgum (MPK), Bishop Stuart University Mbarara, Dan Church Aid (DCA), Fin Church Aid (FCA), PALM Corps, Community Empowerment for Rural Development (CEFORD), and Young African Refugees for Integral Development(YARID) ) are implementing the Refugee and Host Community Youth Empowerment and Transformation Initiative (RETI) program with support from the Mastercard Foundation to address unemployment challenges faced by young people in 15 refugee hosting districts in Uganda. The program aims to directly reach and support 100,000 young people (60% female) and transition 70% of them into work. The program commenced in October 2023 and is currently in its third year of implementation.

Recent joint monitoring visits to RETI activities in Lamwo District and Kiryandongo District revealed more than progress they revealed transformation in motion.
The activity was led by the Lamwo District Deputy CAO, Mr. Jones Samuel Lagu, alongside the District Assistant Secretary, Mr. Opio Aloyius. Key representatives from the Office of the Prime Minister of Uganda (OPM) included the Palabek Settlement Refugee Desk Officer, Madam Akullu Fivi; the Settlement Commandant, Madam Oyella Joyce; and the Kiryandongo Settlement Commandant, Mr. Vincent Amaruma. Also in attendance were the Kiryandongo District CAO, Mr. Anselm Kyaligonza, and the Assistant RDC, Madam Inasuku Natacha Gloria.

From UNHCR, the Livelihood Sector Head for Kiryandongo Settlement, Mr. Peter Adori, participated, alongside Mr. Okello Jimmy Tommy from Palabek Settlement.
Gulu University was represented by its top management team, led by the University Bursar, Mr. John Nyeko, and the RETI Project Technical Lead, Prof. Basil Mugonola from the Faculty of Agriculture and Environment.

The visits demonstrated strong coordination and purposeful stakeholder engagement, characterized by open and constructive dialogue with Youth in Work participants, alongside the formal issuance of participant certificates.

Across both districts, young people confidently showcased skills in poultry, welding and metal fabrication, tailoring, hairdressing, and enterprise development clear signs of growing self-reliance and economic agency. Refugees and host communities worked side by side, demonstrating inclusion not as an abstract concept, but as a lived reality.

The visits were marked by genuine exchange. Leaders listened, guided, and affirmed the journeys of participants: “What we are seeing here is not just skills development it is transformation. These young people are building sustainable futures for themselves and their communities.” Office of the Prime Minister “The collaboration between refugees and host communities is a powerful example of inclusion in action this is progress worth scaling.”  Mr. Okello Jimmy Tommy, UNHCR Livelihood Focal Person “We will continue supporting these young people by linking them to government programs like PDM once they are organized and registered as a group.”  Mr. Opio Aloyius, District Leader Participants also spoke with clarity and confidence sharing their growth, challenges, and ambitions reflecting true ownership of their progress.

This visit reaffirmed a simple but powerful truth: when partnerships are strong and voices are heard, impact becomes sustainable. The Youth in Work initiative is not just building skills it is shaping futures.
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