Africa-Press – Uganda. Reach A Hand Uganda (RAHU) has graduated its first cohort of women and girls under the Leesu Skilling Initiative, marking a milestone in the organisation’s efforts to promote women’s economic empowerment in Western Uganda.
The graduation ceremony, held on December 29, 2025 at the Reach A Hand Clinic in Kempungu Village, Kashari Sub-county, brought together programme beneficiaries, trainers and RAHU officials to celebrate the completion of the six-month vocational training by 36 participants.
Implemented by Reach A Hand Uganda, the Leesu Skilling Initiative is designed to equip women and girls with hands-on vocational skills that can be converted into sustainable income-generating activities.
The programme offers training in basket making, hairdressing and tailoring, skills selected to match local market demand and economic realities in the Mbarara region.
Speaking during the ceremony, Reach A Hand Uganda Chief Executive Officer Humphrey Nabimanya urged the graduates to put their newly acquired skills to productive use.
“As women, you have the power to shape your own futures. Use these skills not just to earn a living, but to uplift yourselves, your families, and your communities. Your empowerment today is the foundation for a stronger tomorrow,” Nabimanya said.
Leesu Skilling Initiative Coordinator Audrey Baryagye said the programme had gone beyond technical training to transform the confidence and outlook of the participants.
“Over the six months of training, the participants demonstrated incredible determination and growth. Beyond acquiring technical skills, they gained confidence and a renewed sense of purpose, which will enable them to positively impact their households and communities,” she said.
Some of the beneficiaries described the programme as life-changing. Sophia, a graduate in hairdressing, said the training had opened new possibilities for her livelihood.
“I always wanted to do hair professionally but did not have the opportunity to learn. Through Leesu, I now have the skills and confidence to earn from my work and support my family,” she said.
The success of the programme was also credited to the commitment of local trainers. Apuli, a hairdressing instructor, said the learners showed discipline and consistency throughout the training period.
“The women were consistent, hardworking, and eager to learn. Seeing their progress from the beginning of the programme to graduation has been inspiring, and I am confident they will succeed beyond this initiative,” Apuli said.
Following the successful completion of the first cohort, Reach A Hand Uganda announced that a new intake under the Leesu Skilling Initiative will begin in January, with plans to expand the programme to reach more women and girls across the wider Mbarara region.
Reach A Hand Uganda is a youth-led non-profit organisation that works to empower young people through advocacy, awareness campaigns and community engagement, focusing on sexual and reproductive health and rights, education, mental health, gender equality and economic empowerment.
For More News And Analysis About Uganda Follow Africa-Press
