Young Refugee Entrepreneur Transforms Lives

DCA Uganda

When young people are equipped with practical skills and enterprise support, they not only transform their own lives but also create opportunities for entire communities.

For 24-year-old Minala Viola, a refugee from South Sudan living in Bidibidi Refugee Settlement, this transformation has been life-changing.

“I had nothing to do, no way to support my child. Even getting basic needs like clothes and food was a struggle,” she recalls.

A life shaped by displacement and hardship

Viola fled South Sudan in 2016 with her mother and siblings. As the second-born in a family of eight, she quickly faced the pressures of survival in an unfamiliar environment with limited economic opportunities.

Early marriage seemed like a way out, but it soon became a source of hardship. After experiencing abuse and instability in her marriage, Viola returned to her mother’s home, where she spent several years without stable work, skills, or income.

A turning point through skills training

In 2024, Viola learned about the Refugee and Host Community Youth Empowerment and Transformation Initiative (RETI) through the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) desk in Bidibidi Refugee Settlement. The programme, funded by the Mastercard Foundation, addresses unemployment challenges among young people and is implemented by a consortium of nine partners led by Muni University. The consortium includes three universities – Muni University, Gulu University, and Bishop Stuart University – and six non-university partners: DanChurchAid, Finn Church Aid, Community Empowerment for Rural Development, PALM Corps, Meeting Point Kitgum, and Young African Refugees for Integral Development.

Passionate about hairdressing and determined to improve her livelihood, Viola applied and was selected to join the Youth Skilling Programme. She chose hairdressing as her area of specialisation, recognising its potential to generate income and create opportunities for self-employment.

“I saw that hairdressing could bring income faster, and it was something I could learn quickly,” she explains.

The training went beyond technical skills. Participants were also equipped with knowledge in entrepreneurship, savings culture, and business management. After three months of training, Viola received startup capital of UGX 600,000 from DanChurchAid, which she invested in salon equipment, cosmetics, and hair products.

From survival to entrepreneurship

Like many young entrepreneurs, Viola initially struggled with limited capital and a small customer base. However, she gradually built her business through door-to-door marketing, word-of-mouth referrals, and consistent service delivery.

Her persistence paid off. Today, Viola runs a thriving salon in Zone 4, Bidibidi Refugee Settlement, attracting clients from across different zones.

Her income has grown steadily, earning up to UGX 50,000 per day. She has also diversified her business by selling beauty products and offering mobile phone charging services.

In addition, Viola participates in two savings groups and serves as a treasurer, reflecting her growing financial discipline and leadership.

Creating Opportunities for Others

Beyond her personal success, Viola has become an artisan trainer under the RETI programme, with support from DanChurchAid (DCA). She has trained over 80 young people in hairdressing skills.

Three of her trainees now work alongside her in the salon, earning an income and building sustainable livelihoods. Among them is a young woman, Perry Mude, who has a hearing impairment and is intentionally supported and included in daily work activities by Viola.

“People used to think persons with disabilities had no value, but now they see she can also work and earn money,” Viola says.

Perry shares how the opportunity has changed her life:

“I enjoy working here, and I know I am going to earn more money. This experience has also changed how I am treated in my community and workplace, with more respect,” says Perry Mude.

For many trainees, the opportunity has been life changing. Another trainee, Mande, reflects on her journey:

“Working with Viola has completely changed my life. Before, I was struggling and had no clear direction. Now I have learned hairdressing skills and how to make decisions for myself. I can earn money, support my children, and take care of my son, who has a disability. I feel more empowered, financially independent, and hopeful about my future,” Mande shares.

Transforming her family’s future

Viola’s success has also transformed her household. She now supports her daughter and younger sister, both of whom are in boarding school in Koboko.

She has invested in additional income streams, including purchasing a motorcycle used for boda boda transport services, and has recently opened a second salon branch in Koboko District.

A model for youth empowerment

Viola’s journey demonstrates the impact of the Refugee and Host Community Youth Empowerment and Transformation Initiative (RETI).

Through vocational training, startup support, and business incubation, RETI is enabling young refugees and host community youth to transition from vulnerability to dignified and sustainable livelihoods.

For Viola, the programme was not just a training ground; it was a pathway to independence. For the young people she now trains, it is a multiplier of opportunity.

“Do not sit at home waiting. Take up these training opportunities. Use your hands to do something, and you will see a change in your life,” she advises.