By Robert Asiimwe
The success of livelihood development lies not only in the programs themselves but also in their ability to connect with and uplift the beneficiaries.
In Uganda, various programs such as Operation Wealth Creation, Youth Livelihoods Programme, Emyooga, Uganda Women Entrepreneurship Programme, and the Parish Development Model have been designed to alleviate poverty.
These programs have traditionally focused on a group approach, which is not a bad idea. However, the existing gap between aspirations and outcomes indicates the necessity for a change in approach.
It is crucial to prioritize individual empowerment as the foundation for sustainable development.
The group approach has long been utilized in development initiatives, but it comes with its challenges.
Issues such as corruption, breakdowns in communication, conflicting interests, and uneven participation have often hindered the desired impact of programs aimed at reducing poverty and empowering communities in different parts of the country.
Recently, there have been numerous cases of corruption in the newly implemented PDM programs. Leaders such as Sub County and Parish Chiefs in different Local Governments have been apprehended for embezzling funds that were intended to support the most vulnerable groups.
Similar instances of corruption have also been observed in programs like Emyooga and the Youth Livelihood Program, with the culprits evading justice and the misappropriated funds remaining unaccounted for.
In light of these circumstances, it is imperative to adopt a compassionate and strategic approach to overcome these challenges.
Taking a new approach
To truly revitalize livelihood development, it is crucial to recognize and address the unique needs and aspirations of each individual. By shifting the focus towards individual empowerment, interventions can be tailored to resonate with the diverse demographic landscape of Uganda.
This approach promotes a sense of ownership, accountability, and ultimately leads to a more significant transformation. Given that 80% of Uganda’s youth live in rural areas, placing emphasis on individual empowerment becomes even more crucial.
Additionally, the disempowerment index for women, which estimates that over 60% face disempowerment, highlights the necessity for a nuanced approach that addresses the specific challenges faced by different demographic groups.
Despite the commendable efforts made, the programs implemented under the group umbrella have fallen short of their targets. The ongoing countrywide assessment conducted by the Economic Policy Research Centre (EPRC) and the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) serves as evidence of this gap.
It is crucial to reevaluate the strategies employed and acknowledge that the success of these initiatives lies in empowering individuals first. The key to individual empowerment lies in tailoring interventions to their specific skills, interests, and circumstances.
This approach not only enables more effective training and support but also ensures that beneficiaries can make choices that align with their personal goals, thereby fostering sustainable livelihoods.
Individual empowerment goes beyond immediate economic gains; it lays the foundation for long-term progress. By nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit within each participant, governments can stimulate economic growth at the grassroots level and break the cycle of poverty.
As Uganda aspires to become a transformed society, shifting from a group-centric to an individual empowerment approach becomes a strategic necessity.
It is a call to recognize the uniqueness of each person’s journey, address the specific challenges faced by different demographic groups, and create an environment where personal growth and community development go hand in hand. Revitalizing livelihood development begins with empowering individuals, paving the way for a more inclusive, sustainable, and prosperous Uganda.
The writer is a researcher and development worker, working as program Assistant- Action-Aid