According to the 2024 National State of the Youth Report launched on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, at the Sheraton Hotel, Uganda, with over 78% of its population under 30, stands at a critical stage.

The report highlights both strides and setbacks in addressing youth unemployment and skilling, areas essential to harnessing the country’s demographic dividend.

Significant government programs have been rolled out to uplift the youth, including the Parish Development Model (PDM), which has absorbed over UGX 1 trillion, reaching over a million beneficiaries, while the Youth Livelihood Program (YLP) has disbursed UGX 241.45 billion, benefiting 265,237 youths since its inception in 2014.

These initiatives have provided vital financial support to youth-led projects, creating opportunities for economic participation and investments.

The government allocated UGX 5 billion in FY2024/25 to operationalize the National Apprenticeship and Graduate Volunteer Scheme and UGX 19.48 billion to revamp skilling centers.

Efforts to formalize the informal ‘Jua-Kali’ sector with UGX 7 billion in funding demonstrate a commitment to transitioning the workforce into more structured economies.

Read Also: Empowering Serere District Youth through Vanilla Farming

In ICT, strides have been made in Business Process Outsourcing (BPO), with the sector projected to create 100,000 jobs. However, despite such progress, Uganda ranks 138th globally in ICT readiness, underscoring the need for greater investment.

Youth unemployment remains a daunting challenge, with over 1 million young people entering the job market annually. Government data shows USD 13,117 is invested to create a single job, compared to a global average of USD 30,000. Most jobs are concentrated in low-skill sectors, limiting long-term sustainability.

Funding gaps are another obstacle. Programs such as the Youth Venture Capital Fund face delays in disbursements and mismanagement, undermining their impact. Furthermore, gender disparities persist, excluding young women from higher-skill opportunities and perpetuating socio-economic inequities.

To realize the full potential of Uganda’s youth, robust reforms are necessary. Increased funding and accountability mechanisms must ensure that every shilling translates to measurable outcomes. Expanding digital infrastructure and skills training can position youth for emerging tech-driven sectors. Gender-inclusive policies are essential to dismantle barriers for young women, creating equitable access to resources and opportunities.

The government must also prioritize innovation hubs and entrepreneurial support systems to unlock creative potential in areas like arts and green technology. Strengthening monitoring frameworks will ensure initiatives align with the aspirations of Uganda’s youthful population.