Twezimbe Project for Inclusion

Many graduates with disabilities struggle to find employment in Uganda due to the many barriers they encounter in navigating the complex and success-driven work environment. The COVID-19 pandemic has since amplified these barriers, and yet employers, civil society, and the government have not paid enough attention to the disability dimension of employment equity.

The Twezimbe Project for Inclusion champions social inclusion by leveraging a parallel integration approach. It focuses on empowering graduates with disabilities, through education, skills development, and advocacy. The project establishes inclusive saving and credit cooperative organizations (SACCOs) specifically designed and managed by graduates with disabilities. This initiative ensures access to inclusive financial instruments and resources, empowering them to pursue business and entrepreneurial endeavors effectively within their communities.

Since its inception in 2022, the Project has empowered over 150 graduates with disabilities through tailored education and mentorship programs. Key milestones include the launch of the Twezimbe Uganda Graduates with Disabilities (TUGAD) SACCO, providing equitable access to financial services and social support to budding entrepreneurs with disabilities. The SACCO has facilitated the initiation of new ventures, enhancing economic resilience among graduates with disabilities.

The outbound training for disability leaders represents another pivotal milestone born out of the Twezimbe project for Inclusion. This initiative established a strong foundation and infrastructure for SACCO development and management, leading to the implementation of an effective framework that serves as a model for replication and long-term sustainability.

Our approach

Education and Skills Development: Education and skills development are fundamental to our empowerment strategy. We provide tailored training programs that equip graduates with disabilities with essential skills for employment and entrepreneurship.

Financial Inclusion through SACCOs: We believe in experiential learning, where individuals learn best by actively engaging in tasks and reflecting on their experiences. A cornerstone of the project is the establishment of savings and credit cooperative organizations (SACCOs) exclusively managed and led by graduates with disabilities.

Economic Empowerment: Not everyone finds success in the competitive job market, and the job search itself can be daunting. We are more focused on building the entrepreneurial dreams of individuals with disabilities, empowering them to sustain existing jobs in small businesses and launch new ventures.

Collaboration: Strong collaboration is the cornerstone of our transformation. We partner with both local and international institutions and organizations to enrich our programs with valuable lessons and insights, ensuring they align with established best practices.