The Uganda Industrial Research Institute (UIRI), in partnership with Meeting Point International (MPI), has concluded a hands-on skills training program in bakery and cosmetics production, empowering Ugandan citizens with practical tools to improve livelihoods and spur economic transformation.
The training, which targeted youth, women, and vulnerable groups, provided participants with market-ready skills to produce bread, cakes, pastries, soaps, lotions, and other personal care products using locally available materials and appropriate technologies.
From Training to Enterprise
Participants received intensive, practical instruction at UIRI’s facilities, blending technical expertise with business skills to ensure graduates can launch and sustain micro and small enterprises. Many trainees have already started producing for their communities, creating new income streams and reducing reliance on imported goods. “Seeing our graduates turn skills into products and products into income is the real success story,” said Mr. ASuman Ratib, the director of Product Development.
This partnership with Meeting Point International proves that when science, technology, and community empowerment come together, lives change.
Partnership for Impact
MPI contributed strong community mobilisation and social support, while UIRI delivered technical training, product development, and quality assurance. The collaboration demonstrates UIRI’s model for working with like-minded partners to scale up skills development and advance Uganda’s industrialisation agenda.
Driving Import Substitution and Job Creation
By building local capacity in bakery and cosmetics — two fast-growing sectors — the program directly supports Uganda’s National Development Plan goals of import substitution, job creation, and inclusive growth. The graduates from the cosmetics cohort shared that they can now make quality soap and sell it to their communities, and that they are now able to teach others the same skills they acquired, expressing gratitude to UIRI and Meeting Point International.
UIRI congratulates all graduates and remains committed to expanding skills-based programs that turn innovation into opportunities for all Ugandans.
