Youth in Kasese District are urging political candidates to clearly spell out strategies for tackling unemployment and school dropouts in the area. Moses Thembo, a 25-year-old barber in Kasese Town, shared his personal experience, saying he never imagined he would end up in his current job.
Despite attaining a Diploma in Tourism and Hospitality in 2024 and holding high hopes for a better future, Thembo says opportunities remain limited. Similarly, Landus Mumbere, a young candidate contesting for the Kyarumba Town Council LCIII seat, highlighted a growing concern—the lack of practical skills among young people in rural areas.
He noted that this skills gap continues to fuel unemployment, hinder development, and leave many youths without meaningful livelihood options.
Willy Rwasanga, a youth from Kyondo Sub-County, emphasized the need for the government to involve young people in decision-making processes. He lamented that many decisions made at the national level exclude youth, a trend he believes undermines their potential to contribute to development.
Rwasanga urged authorities to create platforms where youth voices can be heard and considered, ensuring that their perspectives inform national policies and programmes. He believes such inclusion would enable the country to harness the energy and creativity of young people for inclusive growth.
Felix Bwambale, a youth from Kisinga Town Council, highlighted the pressing issue of high unemployment across the country. He warned that failure to address it risks creating a large population that does not contribute to national development.
Bwambale appealed to leaders to prioritise the expansion of digital technology opportunities, arguing that online platforms and digital innovations can equip young people with skills and enable them to contribute productively to Uganda’s progress.
Sarah Abegyesa Mirembe encouraged youth to take advantage of government opportunities aimed at skilling and economic empowerment. She pointed out programmes such as the Mubuku Industrial Hub, the Parish Development Model (PDM), the Youth Livelihood Programme, and the network of industrial hubs across the country. She urged young people to actively engage in these initiatives to improve their skills, create jobs, and secure a better future.
Dr. Monday Julius Rude, the aspiring Member of Parliament for Bukonzo East on the NRM ticket, underscored the importance of talent promotion among young people. He argued that talent development is an untapped resource that could spur employment and economic transformation in the region. Rude said his leadership will prioritise nurturing and supporting youth talents as a strategic avenue for growth.
Uganda’s 2024 National Housing and Population Census places the country’s population at 45.9 million, with young people aged 18–30 accounting for 22.7%. Yet this demographic strength is stifled by unemployment, rising living costs, and limited avenues for influencing decisions that shape their lives.
According to a recent Sauti Za Wananchi survey, 39% of young citizens identified unemployment as Uganda’s most serious challenge, while nearly 42.6% of youth aged 15–24 are not in education, employment, or training (NEET).
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