The government has announced plans to scale up support for youth skills development as part of efforts to address unemployment and reduce the number of young Ugandans seeking jobs abroad.
As articulated in the NRM Manifesto, Vice President Jessica Alupo said government will, in the next five years, prioritise investment promotion and industrial growth as a strategy to expand job creation across key sectors.
Additionally, she said emphasis will be placed on wealth creation and enterprise development initiatives, including targeted support for small and medium enterprises and youth-led businesses.
Officiating at the Fourth Annual National Labour Convention and Expo, organised by the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, Alupo said government will strengthen labour administration and compliance, including enforcement of labour laws, policies, guidelines and standards, as well as protection of workers’ rights across the country.
This year’s convention is held under the theme: “Unlocking the Potential of Uganda’s Youth Labour Force: Advancing Productivity and Expanding Opportunities for Decent Work.”
She said the theme speaks directly to one of the country’s most urgent priorities and aligns with Uganda Vision 2040 and the National Development Plan, both of which emphasise human capital development as central to unlocking the demographic dividend.
“It also reflects the NRM Manifesto 2026–2031, particularly the commitment to increase labour productivity, gainful employment, and skilling,” she said.
Alupo underscored the importance of positioning Uganda’s youthful population as a catalyst for productivity, enterprise growth, and structural transformation across priority sectors, while strengthening labour governance systems that protect workers and promote decent work.
The Vice President noted that while progress has been made, government remains committed to addressing persistent gaps in skills development and employment.
“The transformation we seek cannot be delivered by Government alone. The NRM Government believes in partnership. The private sector must take the lead in creating jobs and driving innovation. Employers must invest in their workers. Workers must embrace productivity, discipline, and patriotism. All of us must work together to build an economy that serves the interests of our people,” she said.
She urged stakeholders at the convention to translate discussions into practical solutions that can be implemented at scale.
“Let us focus on what works—apprenticeships, enterprise development, digital innovation, and stronger linkages between education and employment,” she added.
Alupo also called for stronger action-oriented engagement, urging participants to move from discussion to implementation, guided by what she described as the NRM’s core principle of people-centred development driven by wealth creation and social justice.
Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development Betty Amongi, speaking on behalf of President Yoweri Museveni, said government is deliberately shifting focus from job creation alone to the creation of quality, productive and decent jobs capable of sustaining livelihoods.
She said investments in industrialisation, infrastructure, digital innovation and regional integration are central to expanding opportunities for young people.
Head of Public Service Lucy Nakyobe noted that government is also stepping up efforts to fight corruption in recruitment processes within the public service, stressing that only qualified individuals should be employed.
She added that ministries and agencies are working together to ensure graduates access internships and practical training opportunities within government institutions.
Government, through various programmes including the Parish Development Model, the Youth Livelihood Programme, Skilling Uganda Strategy, and reforms in Technical and Vocational Education and Training, is seeking to equip young people with skills, capital and opportunities needed for meaningful participation in the economy.
Apprenticeship and graduate volunteer programmes, officials said, are also helping to bridge the school-to-work transition and improve employability outcomes.