The Assistant Resident City Commissioner for Kampala, Mr. Geoffrey Sserwadda, has proposed a licence fees waiver for all Kampala-based entrepreneurs who graduate from the Presidential Initiative on Skilling the Girl/Boy Child (PISGBC). In his proposal, Mr. Sserwadda emphasized that this initiative would provide much-needed support to the young graduates by allowing them to focus on building their businesses without the immediate financial burden of licence fees.
The proposed waiver is set to last for at least six months, giving the graduates ample time to establish themselves in the entrepreneurial landscape of Kampala. This move is seen as a significant step towards fostering economic growth and empowering the youth, who are often faced with numerous challenges when starting their ventures.
Mr. Sserwadda’s proposal comes at a time when there is growing recognition of the importance of supporting young entrepreneurs in Uganda. The Presidential Skilling Initiative has been lauded for its role in equipping young people with essential skills, and this proposed fee waiver is expected to further enhance the impact of the program.
The Assistant Commissioner stressed that the initiative aligns with broader goals of promoting self-reliance and reducing unemployment among the youth. He also highlighted the potential benefits for Kampala’s economy, as more young entrepreneurs would be able to operate legally and contribute to the city’s growth.
While the proposal is still under consideration, it has already received positive feedback from various stakeholders, including local business groups and community leaders. Many have praised the move as a practical solution to some of the challenges faced by new entrepreneurs in Kampala.
The proposed licence fees waiver is part of a larger effort to create an enabling environment for young people to thrive. By reducing financial barriers, the initiative aims to empower graduates from the Presidential Skilling Program to take their businesses to the next level and make a meaningful impact in their communities.