A total of 140 young people have graduated from Uganda Breweries Limited (UBL)’s Learning for Life program.
This initiative equips participants with essential business and hospitality skills, improving their employability in the hospitality industry and enhancing their livelihoods.
Uganda Breweries Society’s 2030 Sustainability Action Plan aims to create a sustainable and inclusive world by 2030, fostering a purpose-driven business that thrives in the long term.
A key focus of this plan is inclusion and diversity, ensuring that 50% of beneficiaries from community programs are women and that these programs empower underrepresented groups across different communities.
This year, particular attention was given to women and persons with disabilities (PWDs), who face significant barriers in society due to income inequality and limited access to employment opportunities. The 2026 intake included 54 women, 70 men, and 16 persons with disabilities, bringing the total number of trainees to 140.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony, Sheila Sabune, Corporate Relations Director at UBL, highlighted the persistent challenge of youth unemployment in Uganda. She emphasized that interventions like this program are critical for equipping young people with marketable skills.
According to the Uganda Bureau of Statistics 2024, the overall unemployment rate in Uganda is 12.3%. However, among youth aged 15 to 24, 42.6% are not in employment, education, or training, reflecting significant underemployment in low-productivity jobs.
Sabune explained, “Every year, about 400,000 young Ugandans enter the job market, competing for only approximately 9,000 available formal jobs. Around 39% of institutionally qualified youths are unable to find employment, a situation even worse for semi-skilled and unskilled individuals. UBL aims to equip youths with practical, marketable skills that give them an advantage. Our Diageo Bar Academy certificate, awarded to trainees in bar skills, is recognized internationally, meaning these skills can open doors locally and abroad.”
At the ceremony, Yogi Biriggwa, President of the Uganda Tourism Association, praised UBL and its partners for their efforts in empowering youth in local communities. She highlighted the program’s contribution to tourism, noting that it equips 140 Ugandans with skills in bartending, sales, entrepreneurship, and hospitality, enabling them to serve guests with professionalism and confidence.
“This training prepares you for real jobs and real customers,” Biriggwa said.
“It supports youth employment and business creation across the tourism value chain. When you strengthen skills, you strengthen destinations. The best way to build a competitive tourism sector is by investing in people.”
She further emphasized that the hospitality industry is constantly evolving, requiring individuals who are adaptable, innovative, open to new experiences, and committed to continuous learning.
