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Riziki Kajabika at her sewing desk in Kampala.  She received a business grant as part of the IRC’s Re:BUiLD Program Wave 1 RCTs grant, bought a sewing machine, fabric and paid rent for her shop. Photo: J. Sosi/IRC.

The International Rescue Committee (IRC’s) Re:BUiLD Program is looking to identify eligible people interested in starting micro businesses or growing their existing micro businesses in Kampala. The Refugees in East Africa: Boosting Urban Innovations for livelihoods Development (Re:BUiLD) is a program being implemented under the IKEA Foundation partnership with the IRC to enable urban refugees and local residents alike to earn a decent income so they can support their families and afford a better life.

How will the IRC’s Re:BUiLD program support one to join refugee and host networks and start or grow their businesses?

Re:BUiLD is rolling out the second phase of its Randomized Control Trial (RCT) for micro enterprise development. The support shall be delivered through a study targeting 4,000 direct participants in Kampala. Participants will be offered an opportunity to network and receive individual business grants from the Re:BUiLD program and  there will be an equitable distribution of 60% refugees and 40% hosts, as well as a balanced representation of 50%women and 50% men in the RCTs. Only those who shall have met all the requirements for participation shall be selected to participate in the study.

What are the eligibility criteria for the Re:BUiLD program’s support?

To be considered eligible and register for business support under the Re:BUiLD program’s RCTs, interested refugees and Ugandans must meet the following requirements;

  • Have valid Identification Documents (IDs): Ugandan citizens must have National IDs. Refugees should have Refugee identification documents issued by the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) in Uganda and recognized by the UN Refugee agency (UNHCR):
    • Refugee ID or;
    • Attestation Letter
  • Age: Must be between the ages of 18 - 45 years.
  • Location: Applications will only be accepted from refugees and Ugandans residing within Kampala divisions: 
    • Makindye
    • Rubaga
    • Central Kampala
    • Kawempe
    • Nakawa
  • Language: Interested refugees and Ugandans should demonstrate ability to speak Luganda, English, Swahili at conversational level. Priority will be given to applicants with the ability to communicate in these languages.
  • Business experience: Interested people should demonstrate having an interest in starting a business or confirm to have some previous business/entrepreneurship experience. 
  • Availability: All successful applicants MUST be committed to attend at least 2 hours of weekly meetings for 3 months from the start of the first session. 

Persons who have previously received any livelihoods services from the IRC will NOT be considered.  

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Alain Masikini Nzembo, a 38–year-old poultry farmer, originally from DRC, set up a poultry business with the support from the IRC’s Re:BUiLD Program Wave 1 RCTs grant. Photo:J. Sosi/IRC

How to apply be part of the IRC’s Re:BUiLD program Wave 2 RCTs for 2024 

The registration process will start in January 2024. Interested individuals can visit the IRC at the Re: BUiLD program Livelihoods Resource Center (LRC) for eligibility screening and registration. IRC staff will also conduct registration outreaches in the areas around the targeted location. You should carry your identification documents when coming to register during the community outreaches and at the LRC. 

Registration will be conducted on weekdays (Monday – Friday) between 9am and 5pm.

In Kampala, visit the Re: BUiLD program LRC which is located at:

  • Nsambya Gogonya - Nseroko Road, Off Kabega road Gogonya by-pass –Zzimbe Drive, Plot 1.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

  • Please note that ALL IRC services are FREE. There is no charge for application or enrollment into the program. 
  • Applicants will be asked to submit copies of identification or registration documents to IRC.
  • IRC will contact selected applicants based on availability of opportunities and applicant’s fit for service. 

Have questions, concerns or need additional information?

Call our field offices from Monday to Friday, 8:00AM - 5:00PM. Normal call rates will apply. 

  • Uganda: 0740 312 273 or 0200 925 971 or  0800 200 506 (Tollfree) 
  • Visit our website www.rebuild.rescue.org 
  • YouTube Channel (@ReBuildEastAfrica) 

For more information, please reach us through our WhatsApp number, 0743345003, Facebook Page, Tubulire.Info and Messenger. Visit our WhatsApp Channel for updates and opportunities.