Stakeholders have called for stronger collaboration between training institutions, employers and government to equip young people with skills that match the demands of the labour market as Uganda joined the rest of the world in commemorating World Youth Skills Day.
David Maraka, the enterprise development and decent work expert at Enabel, said more than 700,000 young people graduate from training institutions every year, but many struggle to find employment because their skills do not match employers' needs.
Maraka said Enabel is addressing the challenge through a two-pronged approach that targets both the demand and supply sides of the labour market to ensure young people acquire practical skills that improve their employability.
"We are urging employers to invest in equipping young workers with job-specific skills while encouraging training institutions to tailor their programmes to industry needs," Maraka said.
Speaking during a visit to African Mushroom Growers in Luvuuma Zone, Makindye Division, Kampala, the company's Managing Director, Abel Kiddu, said the enterprise has been training and employing young people since 2010, describing youth employment as a strategic investment because young people are the driving force of the economy.
Kiddu said that through the We Work Project, funded by Enabel, the company has trained many young people, although some join without practical skills while others require extensive mentorship.
"I call on the private sector to open more opportunities for internships and employment and to partner with government in bridging the gap between education and the labour market," Kiddu said.
One of the beneficiaries, Winfred Katwusigye, who joined African Mushroom Growers in August 2025, said she had no prior technical skills but has since acquired practical knowledge in value addition, leading to her promotion as a production assistant.
"I encourage young people to embrace continuous learning, acquire new skills and develop a problem-solving mindset to remain competitive in the changing world of work," Winfred said.
Enabel said it remains committed to supporting Uganda's national development priorities by promoting green jobs, empowering young people and refugees, and improving essential social services, including education and healthcare.
