IS THERE A SOLUTION TO UGANDA'S UNEMPLOYMENT DILEMMA ?

 Over 50% of Uganda's population is below 17 years according to the latest statistics from Uganda Bureau of Statistics. As a Youth Empowerment practitioner I often interact with young people who share with me the burden they face in accessing dignified employment opportunities. This dilemma and burden is shared by the different stakeholders such as government, the development partners and civil society. 

I must commend the different stakeholders such as government and the private sector for doing a lot in empowering the youths to be agents of community transformation. A lot of skilling efforts are happening and this is a step in the right direction. The Directorate of Industrial Development (DIT) is doing a great job in ensuring that the youths are given professional certification with their practical skills. No nation can develop without young people being skilled. China and other Asian Tigers have developed because they strategically built cottage industries. Uganda is also taking the same direction and it is worth appreciating. On a good note it was also noted that Uganda is one of the most entrepreneurial countries in the world.

The situation of a population explosion needs to be addressed in addition to a rise in youth employment. Uganda used to be a very secure country but of late there are cases of youth gangs that terrorize civilians. These days it is very insecure to move at night because you can easily be targeted. All these vices are linked to the fact that many youths have no jobs.

Despite the above state of affairs all hope is not lost. The debates and interventions that are happening at government and development partner level are promising. The change in the education system to a competency model is a step in the right direction. The internship training at various universities aims at imparting the youths with the necessary skills that are required in the real workplace. Financial institutions such as Equity Bank have introduced youth loans at affordable interest rates that can enable youths to expand their businesses. This gives them the potential to create jobs for other young people.

It is important that youths are empowered to look for opportunities instead of looking for handouts. The youths need to understand that the times have changed and with a population boom the methods of job hunting have changed. The youths need to value financial literacy and entrepreneurship education as a solution to unemployment dilemmas.


SOLUTIONS TO YOUTH UNEMPLOYMENT

1.Mindset change is critical

2.Youth mentorship 

3.Enhancing a competency based education system

4.Consolidating technical and vocational education

5.Idetifying market opportunities for youths 

6.Patient capital for young entrepreneurs

7.Enhancing career guidance

8.Leadership Development 

9.Community service 


It is true that there is youth unemployment. But a lot is being done to reverse the trends. As pointed out above discussions about ways to reduce youth unemployment are very critical for promoting sustainable development in Uganda.

Phillip Kiryowa

Finance and Leadership Coach

+256752615916 


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