Vice-Chancellor Hosts Stakeholders to Graduate Unemployment

Makerere University Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, recently hosted a crucial meeting to explore strategies to address Uganda’s graduate unemployment, which stands at 15.2 percent according to the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS). The meeting aimed to consolidate ideas into a policy paper, led by Prof. Bruce Kirenga, to be presented to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni dubbed the University Graduates Employment and scholarship Strategies (UGES).

The event, organized by the State House Investors Protection Unit (SHIPU) funded by the Makerere University Lung Institute gathered academicians, government officials, and private sector leaders to devise solutions for the ongoing challenge of graduate unemployment.

Prof. Kirenga, Director of the Makerere University Lung Institute, emphasized that the focus should shift towards empowering graduates as entrepreneurs. “This strategy empowers young Ugandans to take control of their careers, harness their skills, and build sustainable businesses that contribute to Uganda’s economic development,” he said.

Prof. Kirenga proposed several initiatives, including a scholarship fund for upskilling in key sectors like IT, healthcare, and agriculture, as well as startup capital to help graduates create knowledge-based enterprises. He also recommended the introduction of placement programs within both government ministries and private sector companies to provide practical experience for fresh graduates.

Col. Edith Nakalema, Head of SHIPU, called for urgent action, stressing the need for collaboration across all sectors. “Graduates deserve our attention because they represent an investment by their parents and the nation. We must equip them with entrepreneurial skills to empower them as job creators rather than job seekers,” she said. She also urged universities to design programs in collaboration with industry leaders to ensure graduates gain relevant, hands-on experience.

Private sector representatives highlighted the crucial role of business in job creation but pointed out the challenges they face. Stephen Asiimwe, Executive Director of the Private Sector Foundation Uganda, discussed the lack of access to affordable capital for entrepreneurs. “Access to affordable capital remains our biggest issue. The government must invest in idea incubation and support startups to ensure they grow into sustainable businesses capable of attracting equity investment,” Asiimwe said.

Dr. Joseph Muvawala, Executive Director of the National Planning Authority (NPA), criticized the current tax policies for new startups, arguing that they hinder innovation. “If we can offer tax holidays and capital support to foreign investors, why not extend the same benefits to our local startups?” he questioned. He also pointed to skill mismatches as a key issue driving unemployment, recommending the establishment of graduate employment models and apprenticeship placements to better align graduates’ skills with job market needs.

Prof. Nawangwe expressed optimism about the proposed solutions and their potential to transform Uganda’s economic landscape. “This is an opportunity to revolutionize graduate employment and empower the youth as key contributors to national development,” he said. The outcomes of this meeting will form the foundation for a policy proposal to President Museveni, as stakeholders continue to work together to address the graduate unemployment crisis.