RUBIRIZI, November 3, 2025 – Over 4,000 vulnerable youth in Rubirizi district have received essential business start-up equipment through the Ripple Effect Support Project, an initiative designed to combat poverty, reduce unemployment, and curb social problems stemming from idleness.
The project handover took place recently at the Rutoto Sub-county headquarters, where beneficiaries and local leaders gathered to witness the official distribution of business tools aimed at promoting household-based income generation.
Bridging the unemployment gap
Robert Tamuzade, Rubirizi District Project Coordinator for Ripple Effect Uganda, explained that the initiative directly addresses a root cause of social distress among the young people.
“Many of our young people have ideas and energy but lack the tools and capital to start,” Tamuzade said. “Ripple Effect is here to bridge that gap.”
He emphasised that high rates of crime, domestic violence, and idleness in Rubirizi are often linked to unemployment and hopelessness. The project aims to create a generation of productive youth who can uplift their families and communities.
The wide array of items distributed included: bicycles, deep freezers, ice cream machines, and ice boxes [for vending], sewing machines [for tailoring], chaff cutters and dough mixers [for agricultural and food processing] plus water pumping machines [for farming].
Milton Turyatemba, the LC III Chairperson of Rutoto Sub-County, noted that the support would enable beneficiaries to launch small enterprises in tailoring, retail, food processing, and animal feed production.
RDC warns against misuse
Kinene Ahamedi Stanley, the Rubirizi Resident District Commissioner [RDC], commended Ripple Effect for working alongside government programs like the Parish Development Model [PDM], and the Youth Livelihood Programme [YLP].
However, he warned the beneficiaries: “These items are not for sale. They are meant to transform your lives,” RDC Stanley declared. “If anyone is found selling or misusing them, we shall arrest and charge that person according to the law.”
The RDC stressed that the government appreciates organisations that help reduce youth unemployment, which in turn cuts down on domestic violence and crime. “Our goal as a government is to see peaceful, hardworking, and developed families,” he added.
Renewed hope and call for oversight
The support has injected much-needed optimism into the community. Davis Ashaba, a beneficiary from Rwemitagu village, described the donation as a “turning point” for his life.
“Most of us were idle and frustrated, but now we have something to do. I will use my machine responsibly and ensure it benefits my family and community,” Ashaba pledged.
To ensure the success of the project, local leaders were urged to take ownership of the assets. Paul Musoke, the Rutoto Sub-county Chief, called on parents and local leaders to actively monitor and support the youth to ensure the equipment is properly used and maintained.
Kaunya Nshekanabo Amidu, the Deputy Chief Administrative Officer, appealed to local councils and Community Development Officers to continue guiding the youth and helping them form working groups to access more future opportunities.
Ripple Effect, formerly known as Send a Cow, is a non-governmental organisation [NGO] that operates across East Africa, focusing on sustainable agriculture and entrepreneurship to empower vulnerable groups, including youth, women, and Persons with Disabilities [PWDs].
In Rubirizi district, the organisation works closely with local leaders, community groups, and families to empower the youth PWDs and women through practical training and business support. Over the years, it has enabled thousands of households to start small enterprises and achieve self-reliance.
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