Residents and local leaders in Mityana District have expressed growing concern over rising youth unemployment, warning that the crisis is contributing to crime, family conflicts and economic hardship.
Many are now looking to the newly elected Local Council I (LCI) chairpersons to play a more active role in mobilising communities, resolving local disputes and linking unemployed young people to government programmes and employment opportunities.
Recent statistics indicate that Mityana has a population of about 407,386 people, including 210,436 females and 197,040 males.
Local leaders said the lack of jobs has left many young people idle, exposing some to criminal activities such as theft, while others have become embroiled in disputes over family land even when their parents are still alive.
Barnabas Ssenabulya, the Buganda Kingdom chief for Ssabagabo Ssekanyonyi Sub-county, said unemployment has driven many young people away from productive work.
"Many young people have abandoned productive activities and instead spend much of their time gambling. Some have also neglected their responsibilities of caring for their families because they have no stable source of income," Ssenabulya said.
Residents echoed the concerns, saying unemployment has become a major driver of theft and insecurity in several communities.
"When young people fail to find work, some are tempted to engage in crime simply to survive. Creating employment opportunities is one of the most effective ways of improving security," one resident said.
They urged the new village chairpersons to work closely with government agencies and development partners to identify employment opportunities, mobilise youth groups and strengthen community savings initiatives.
Residents also appealed to the government to increase funding for youth livelihood programmes and community revolving funds to enable more young people to start businesses and become self-reliant.
Daniel Kasiliivu, Director of Results Group Limited in Kiyudaya, said overseas employment remains a viable option for many unemployed Ugandans.
"Many young people still have an opportunity to transform their lives by seeking legitimate employment abroad. Parents should continue supporting and guiding them as they pursue those opportunities," Kasiliivu said.
Mityana Deputy Resident District Commissioner Prossy Mwanjuzi said labour migration can provide opportunities if handled through licensed recruitment agencies.
"There is nothing wrong with seeking employment abroad, but Ugandans must use companies that are legally registered and licensed to protect themselves from exploitation and fraud," Mwanjuzi said.
Busimbi Division Mayor Hajj Haruna Kibirige cautioned that while many migrant workers return home with investments, property disputes have become increasingly common.
"Some returning migrant workers find themselves in conflicts over land and property because of irregular documentation and misuse of village stamps. Local leaders must ensure transparency when handling such transactions," Kibirige said.
Village chairpersons interviewed acknowledged the challenges and pledged to protect the property of migrant workers while resolving land disputes fairly.
"We are doing everything possible to safeguard the property of Ugandans working abroad, although some disputes remain difficult to resolve. We shall continue working with all stakeholders to protect people's investments," one village chairperson said.
Residents said addressing youth unemployment will require stronger collaboration between local leaders, government institutions, the private sector and development partners to expand employment opportunities, strengthen vocational skills and support entrepreneurship.
