“I searched for jobs after graduation but found nothing. That’s when I realized I could turn my passion for art into something meaningful,” Siza recalls. “The challenge was that I lacked the necessary skills and experience to run a business. That’s where the RETI training program made all the difference.”
The challenge of being young in Uganda
Uganda has the world’s youngest population and is also the largest refugee-hosting country in Africa with over 1.7 million refugees, of whom 60% are young people. Both refugee and host community young people face several challenges such as high poverty and unemployment rates attributed to several barriers in finding or creating employment including limited access to quality and market-driven skills, limited access to credit, lack of learning opportunities to develop practical skills, limited business/entrepreneurial skills, lack of industry connections, discrimination, and long periods of inactivity due to conflict and displacement.
RETI is designed to address these barriers and leverage the opportunities identified by employing gender-sensitive and inclusive approaches to programming to empower young people to utilize their potential as agents of change.
A new path through creativity
When 24-year-old Siza Hakim Peter graduated from Cavendish University with a diploma in Project Planning and Management, he envisioned a stable career. However, securing employment proved difficult. Instead of waiting for an opportunity, he decided to create his own – founding Creative Art Imvepi, an art and design business at Imvepi Refugee Settlement in Terego District.
Addressing youth unemployment
Unemployment remains a significant issue in Uganda, particularly within refugee settlements like Imvepi. With over 1.5 million refugees in the country, many young people struggle to find work due to limited skills, lack of capital, and few industry connections.
“The job market here is tough. Many graduates just sit at home. I realized I wasn’t alone in this struggle,” Siza explains.
The Refugee and Host Community Youth Empowerment and Transformation Initiative (RETI), implemented by a consortium of nine partners led by Muni University and supported by DCA with funding from the Mastercard Foundation, is tackling these challenges by equipping young people with relevant skills. Through training programs, innovation grants, and business incubation support, RETI helps youth transition into meaningful work.
“DCA, together with Muni University, is ensuring that young people access the skills they need to secure dignified employment,” says Freda Bella Anek, DCA-RETI Project Manager. “We are integrating digital solutions and entrepreneurship to create qualified young people.”
Turning skills into a business
Through RETI, Siza gained expertise in graphics, motion design, screen printing, and signpost creation. He wasted no time applying these skills.”I opened my business immediately after the training because I saw a gap in the market. There was only one other person offering art and design services in Imvepi, so I took the opportunity,” he says.
Creative Art Imvepi offers services such as t-shirt printing, signpost design, secretarial services, and youth training programs. In addition to business, Siza is committed to mentoring others. “I train young people who dropped out of school or lost hope. I want to show them there is a future in creative arts,” he notes.
Overcoming challenges with persistence
Starting a business in a refugee settlement comes with hurdles, from limited electricity access to financial constraints. Yet, Siza remained determined.
“My background is humble, but I always wanted to improve my family’s situation. I saved part of the pocket money my university sponsor provided, and my mother also supported me. Together, we raised about 3.5 million UGX to start Creative Art Imvepi,” he explains.
Despite the initial challenges, Siza’s business has grown steadily. He now earns an average of 200,000 UGX per month, a significant achievement for him in a refugee settlement. To grow his business, Siza embraced innovative marketing strategies, which include using social media platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, and TikTok to reach customers. He also ran promotions to attract new clients.
“I offered discounts to my first customers and free t-shirt printing with purchases. That helped spread the word about my business,” he says.
Impact and future aspirations
Siza’s business now employs one graduate and offers internships to others.
“My business has helped me support my family. I’m currently paying for my sister’s Information Technology course at Bugema University (Arua Campus) and handling most of my family’s financial needs since my father passed away,” he shares.
Looking ahead, Siza aims to expand his business beyond Imvepi to serve the entire Terego district. “I want to be the best in Terego, not just in Imvepi. My goal is to acquire more machines and improve the quality of my services,” he says.
Advice for young creatives
For aspiring entrepreneurs, Siza emphasizes having a clear vision and understanding community needs.
“Don’t focus on where you come from, but focus on what you can offer. Success comes from addressing real needs,” he advises.
He also encourages organizations and individuals to support young refugee entrepreneurs through skills development and financial assistance.
Through Creative Art Imvepi, Siza continues to inspire and uplift his community, proving that with the right skills and determination, young refugees can build successful futures.
Goals of RETI
By 2027, the DCA RETI project is expected to have achieved the following results:
- 18000 young people equipped with market-relevant business and life skills (60% young women and 70% refugees)
- 500 YSLAs established and digitized
- 200 YSLAs linked to financial institutions
- 3600 young people provided with business incubation support
- 750 young people provided with innovation grants; and Policies developed /reviewed and executed