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Col. Edith Nakalema, head of the State House Investors Protection Unit (SHIPU), emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to address youth unemployment in Uganda during a meeting with top academicians. Despite existing government programs, Nakalema called for more targeted and coordinated efforts to create jobs for the growing youth population.

(Left- right) Senior Lecturer Uganda Management Institute /Policy Analyst Prof. Gerald Karyeija, Makerere University Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, State House Investors Protection Unit Head Col. Edith Nakalema, Healthcare Practitioner and Consultant Dr. Ben Mbonye, Uganda Cancer Institute Chairman Prof. William Bazeyo and Former Attorney General Fred Ruhindi pose for a photo after State House Investors Protection Unit (SHIPU) Brainstorming on how to address the unemployment and wealth creation challenge among the youth in Uganda at the SHIPU offices in Kampala on the 20th August 2024

The State House Investors Protection Unit (SHIPU) Head, Col. Edith Nakalema, has called for a comprehensive approach to tackle the escalating issue of youth unemployment in Uganda. Addressing a gathering of top academicians on August 20, 2024, Col. Nakalema emphasized the urgent need for coordinated efforts to create meaningful employment opportunities for the country’s burgeoning youth population.

“Uganda’s demographic profile presents a unique challenge and opportunity,” Col. Nakalema stated. “With 82% of our population under the age of 35, the future of our nation hinges on the ability to harness this youthful energy.”

Despite government interventions such as the Youth Livelihood Fund and Presidential Skilling programs, Col. Nakalema acknowledged that challenges persist, often leading to youth disgruntlement. She advocated for a holistic approach, stating, “To ensure the success of interventions crafted to solve the challenges faced by the youth, it is critical that targeted and focused solutions are developed.”

During the meeting, Makerere University Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe highlighted the importance of keeping graduates engaged to prevent social unrest. He proposed initiatives like a national service program to keep graduates productive.

“With our big population, the group that must be dealt with first are the graduates because they have got organizational power and expectations,” he said. Prof. Nawangwe further cautioned that Uganda’s large unemployed graduate population could either be a source of instability or a driver of socio-economic development if properly managed.

State House Investors Protection Unit Head Col. Edith Nakalema making her opening remarks during a meeting for the State House Investors Protection Unit (SHIPU) Brainstorming on how to address the unemployment and wealth creation challenge among the youth in Uganda at the SHIPU offices in Kampala

He also introduced the Uganda Graduate Employment and Entrepreneurship Transition Scheme (UGEETS), a proposal aimed at harnessing graduate skills to drive grassroots socio-economic transformation. Prof. Nawangwe predicted that if implemented, the scheme could stimulate economic activity and increase productivity by at least 10%, potentially contributing up to Shs1 trillion to Uganda’s revenue by the fifth year.

State House Investors Protection Unit Head Col Edith Nakalema welcoming Uganda Cancer Institute Chairman Prof William Bazeyo Healthcare Practitioner and Consultant Dr Ben Mbonye and Makerere University Vice Chancellor Prof Barnabas Nawangwe before the State House Investors Protection Unit SHIPU Brainstorming on how to address the unemployment and wealth creation challenge among the youth in Uganda at the SHIPU offices in Kampala on the 20th August 2024, Photo by PPU Tony Rujuta

Other experts, including Dr. Ben Mbonye and Associate Prof. Bruce Kirenga of Makerere University, echoed the need for aligning Uganda’s training systems with market demands.

Healthcare practitioner Dr. Mbonye emphasized that youth unemployment poses a security threat and advocated for technical institutions that equip young people with practical skills. “We must do a market survey to know what our society wants,” he said.

Associate Prof. Bruce Kirenga from Makerere University’s Lung Institute underscored the importance of the knowledge economy in driving development. He urged for greater investment in intellectual property and innovation to unlock the country’s economic potential.

State House Investors Protection Unit Head Col. Edith Nakalema with the invited guests

Prof. Gerald Karyeija from the Uganda Management Institute called for a review of the National Youth Policy and Strategy to ensure its alignment with contemporary needs. He also emphasized the importance of integrating scattered youth empowerment initiatives for maximum impact.

Former Attorney General Hon. Fred Ruhindi concluded the discussion by emphasizing the importance of building hope among the youth. He stressed the need for continuous engagement and support to empower young people and inspire them to contribute to Uganda’s development.