Skills that turn hospitality into a career.

Hands-on training, mentorship and job placement for young Ugandans aged 18–35, built with the hotels and employers who hire them.

Join the next cohort See how it works

5cohorts and counting

1000+jobs available

500+employers

1200+CVs and résumés

About the project

Empowering Uganda's youth for careers in hospitality.

Project 500K is a job skilling initiative dedicated to enhancing youth employability in Uganda's hospitality sector, with practical training, mentorship and a route into work or into running a business.

Learn more about us

What participants learn

Practical on day one. Ready for the job by the last.

Hospitality operations

Housekeeping, front-of-house and service standards, learned hands-on.

Kitchen & culinary

From assorted snacks to BBQ grilling, local and continental dishes, under expert guidance.

Work-ready skills

Communication, teamwork and professionalism, plus financial literacy for life after training.

Mentorship & networks

Personal mentors and direct access to employers, so training leads somewhere.

Our cohorts

Each cohort is a new chapter.

Cohort 1

Pioneering success

A groundbreaking start. Enthusiastic beginners embraced the training with zeal and turned new skills into first job placements and entrepreneurial ventures.

Cohort 2

Building on early wins

Graduates continued into job placements and career growth. Some specialised in hospitality, others explored related sectors, showing the range of the training.

Cohort 3

Expansion & specialisation

Participants went deeper into specialised fields in hospitality and tourism, and more of them launched businesses that feed local economies.

Cohort 4

Leadership & community

Graduates stepped into leadership at work and in their communities, starting mentorship programmes and paying forward the support they received.

Cohort 5

Innovation & global view

Technical skills plus a grounding in global best practice, with new openings in digital hospitality and sustainable tourism.

Cohort 6

Coming soon

Applications for the next intake are opening. Tell us you are interested and we will reach out.

See all cohorts

Graduate stories

In their words.

“Incredible experience! The program provided valuable skills and knowledge, and I secured a job in the industry.”

Ankunda Joel Project 500K graduate

“Exceptional program! The professionalism and guidance helped me secure a promising position.”

Okello Peter Project 500K graduate

“Life-changing experience! The comprehensive curriculum and remarkable support made a significant difference.”

Atim Samantha Project 500K graduate

“Best decision! The program equipped me with technical skills and unparalleled support in securing a position.”

Naturinda Rosewell Project 500K graduate

“Transformative experience! The comprehensive curriculum and exceptional trainers were invaluable.”

Semambo Steven Project 500K graduate

Backed by people who hire.

Youth aged 18–35

Start your career in hospitality.

Join a cohort, learn on the job and get connected to employers.

Employers & partners

Hire trained, motivated talent.

Partner with us to meet graduates ready for your teams.

Partner with us