The call was made during a career expo recently launched by NSSF, aimed at rotating across universities to help shape the skills and talent emerging from higher education institutions while also promoting financial literacy among students.
During a panel discussion featuring digital and AI experts, including John Ssenkezi, Rhoda Musiima, and Lameck Kavuma, students were encouraged to recognize the growing impact of technological advancement on Uganda’s economy.
The panelists emphasized that while artificial intelligence is transforming industries, human input remains essential in refining outputs and ensuring relevance in practical applications.
“It’s important to recognize that your knowledge is not becoming irrelevant, but is part of a broader ecosystem that will empower these AI tools," Ssenkezi said.
"Your role, therefore, is to understand how to harness these tools and create solutions that are relevant to the market and aligned to what you study in class."
Gerald Paul Kasaato, the Deputy Managing Director at NSSF, highlighted the continued importance of human purpose in business, noting that while machines can support operations, they cannot define the core intent of an organization.
“Many organizations are driven by purpose, and purpose is inherently human. It is difficult to ask a machine to define the purpose on which you build a business,” he said.
Kasaato added that employers have a responsibility to help shape the next generation of workers by engaging students early and aligning academic preparation with market needs.
“As employers, we believe we have a responsibility to help shape the talent coming out of universities. We are deliberate about engaging with students early, understanding what employers need, and contributing to conversations that prepare you for the workplace,” he said.
The career expo, first launched last week at Makerere University main campus, is expected to rotate across 14 universities and campuses nationwide.
It aims to inform students about technological change, automation, artificial intelligence, and digital platforms, and how these trends are reshaping the job market, the skills employers demand, and opportunities for innovation and entrepreneurship.