For over six years, Ms Huda Yepuru, a resident of Arua City, had lost hope in life after she failed to attain a white-collar job, which she yearned for after completing her education.
After unsuccessful attempts to apply for jobs in several offices, she retreated to her village in Yumbe district. She was almost thrown into a state of despair because she had lost hope of attaining a job.
As the economy kept biting, she also tried establishing a business but did not succeed because of bad debts. She almost dropped out of school because of the school fees hardships.
But recently, her hope has been restored after she applied for a skilling project where she was picked.
She learnt tailoring and garment cutting at Mungufeni Foundation in Arua City for three months. She is now hopeful that she could become that cherished tailor in society because of the demand for new fashions both within Uganda and neighbouring South Sudan.
‘I was unable to get a job and became vulnerable just like other people who are educated but without jobs. I have gained the necessary skills because the knowledge is endless riches. People doing skilled jobs can even earn more money than those in white-collar jobs,’ she told the Monitor at the weekend.
She said there are women, orphans, and widows who are suffering economically because they cannot afford it. ‘I will need to upgrade with creativity using online platforms like YouTube because there are so many educational fashions there,’ she said.
Teenage motherhood, joblessness and being an orphan are framed as detrimental life and so there are preventive initiatives and interventions being conducted by both the government agencies and non-governmental organisations to avert the trend in the West Nile sub-region.
Another youth, Mr Gerald Akuku, who dropped out of school in Senior Twoare due to school fees challenges, said: ‘Life in a jobless world is very difficult because I dropped out of school and was just staying home. When there is a need for you to buy some personal effects, it becomes difficult. You can turn into a beggar.’
But now, Mr Akuku, who has got some skills in Tailoring, said: ‘I will use this skill to develop and become one of the best tailors. With the high population in Arua City, I can earn money that can sustain my life.’
The intervention for the disadvantaged lot
The Secretariat Manager for Mungufeni Foundation, Mr Hophin Jakwonga, said several youths are suffering from a detrimental life, with many losing hope. ‘We hope the knowledge and skills provided for that lot will be a turning point for them. We want to ensure that vulnerability in homes is reduced.’
He noted that the youths should not despise hands-on skills because there is an abundant market. ‘We have markets for new-fashioned clothes in Arua City, DRC and South Sudan. This offers a great opportunity for people who have skills in tailoring,’ he said.
The Administrative Officer of Mungufeni Foundation, Mr Lawrence Econi, said over 176 disadvantaged groups attained the skills to offer them the opportunity to become self-reliant.
‘We dealt with a vulnerable population who had lost hope in life. But we want to restore their hope. We want to see that tomorrow, he/she sits under a verandah to do a job to earn money to afford basic needs. The jobs are few because of the high population of people who are educated,’ he said.
The Resident City Commissioner, Rtd Maj. Betty Otekat encouraged the disadvantaged group to work on principles of integrity and trust at their businesses.
‘Be focused and never misbehave because people will have trust in the business and you will get more customers. You need to read more from the digital platforms and improve your skills. Do not use those platforms for abusing people but to learn and polish your creativity,’ she said.
Unemployment rate in Arua City
According to the National Population Housing Census by UBOS, unemployment in Arua City is a significant issue, particularly for youth, with one report highlighting of the total population of 384,382, there is a damning 85 per cent youth unemployment rate, leading many to informal work like street vending or boda boda driving.