Uganda is the 5^th country in the world with the largest youth population. The youth comprise 77% of Uganda’s population but have limited access to employable skills and capital resources. This, limits their active participation in the development processes. The current education curriculum does not adequately equip youths with relevant skills. This has caused a mismatch between the skills set provided in training institutions and that demanded on the labour markets. Would be practical courses like agriculture and entrepreneurship that are taught in secondary schools hardly offer meaningful skilling. Consequently, most school dropout youth lack skills to initiate and invent own employment and entrepreneurship (Uganda National Youth Policy 2016).

Community Integrated Development Initiatives (CIDI) Training Institute has been empowering urban youth in Uganda since 2010. The institute offers comprehensive training programs that cater for the needs of the job market, including Landscaping and Gardening, Plumbing, Tailoring, Motor Vehicle Mechanics, hairdressing, Computer Training Decorations, and Events Management. These programs equip individuals with practical skills, hands-on training, and industry-experienced instructors.

In the next 5 years, CIDI Training Center for Gardening and Landscaping aims to expand its training programs, establish new partnerships and develop a robust alumni network. The institute plans to establish a research and development unit, increase its accreditation and recognition. This will enable CIDI-TCGL to become a leading institution for landscape industry training in Uganda.