On 26th August,2025 a collaborative inception meeting was held between URDT-I, NUDIPU and DLC at URDT/ARU Campus to initiate alignment and integration of Gender Mainstreaming, Safeguarding, and Disability Inclusion into the Satellite Approach/Artisan Model implemented by Uganda Rural Development and Training Institute (URDT-I) in 20 districts and 04 refugee settlements in midwestern Uganda. This is under the Sustainable Inclusive Youth Entrepreneurship Pathways (SIYEP) project, within the broader framework of the Young Africa Works strategy as URDT-I transitions to phase two of the skilling youth.
Group photo of participants in the inception meeting
The key objectives of the meeting included; alignment on a shared vision for integrating gender, safeguarding, and disability inclusion into the Artisan Model, to establish mutual understanding of each organization’s role and contribution within the SIYEP framework, to co-develop action points for inclusive and safe implementation of skilling interventions and to initiate a technical support plan for URDT-I to strengthen inclusive practices.
Ms. Esther Kyozira, the Chief Executive Officer; National Union for Persons with Disability in Uganda (NUDIPU), shared about the efficiency and effectiveness of the disability inclusion perspectives, provided insight into universal design, reasonable accommodation, and inclusive communication for youth with disabilities. Also, Deogratias Yiga emphasised that the DLC as a consultant was onboarded under SIYEP to strengthen child right and protection and to strengthen gender mainstreaming amongst the SIYEP implementing partners.
Participants of the inception meeting at the ARU Senate Board Room at URDT Campus
During the meeting, URDT-I, NUDIPU and Development Link Consult (DLC) agreed on co-developing a roadmap to guide the integration of gender mainstreaming, safeguarding, and disability inclusion within the Satellite Approach/ Artisan Model of skilling youth in soft and hands on skills, URDT-I will receive ongoing technical support and training from both consultants to operationalize inclusive approaches. A joint monitoring framework will be developed to track progress and document learnings and engagements with local governments, Disabled People’s Organizations (DPOs), and community leaders to localize implementation efforts.
The inception meeting marked a critical step toward inclusive and equitable skilling for Ugandan youth. Through this collaboration, the SIYEP initiative under Young Africa Works reinforces its commitment to leaving no one behind including women, girls, and youth with disabilities as it works toward impacting 4.3 million Ugandans through dignified and fulfilling work.
