Prof. Nawangwe urges government to reconsider job creation strategy

Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, the Vice-Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof Barnabas Nawangwe has called upon the government to revisit its approach to job creation.

He emphasised that there should be no reason for graduates to be unemployed and searching for work on the streets.

His remarks were made during an event where Prudential Uganda honoured the top five students in Actuarial Science at Makerere University.

The awardees this year are Muhumuza Mark, Kobugabe Michelle Audrey, Uwera Ruth Michelle, Bunjo Steven Hugh, and Namuddu Anneliz.

Under the Prudential Actuarial Support Scheme (PASS), these students will receive a fully funded scholarship to undertake their professional exams.

Prudential Uganda has invested a total of one hundred and thirty-five million shillings (Shs135,000,000) in supporting these winners.

Launched on October 21, 2022, the PASS initiative aims to enhance actuarial capacity in Uganda by recognizing excellence in actuarial science and providing mentorship, internship opportunities, and financial assistance to outstanding graduating students who aspire to become certified actuaries.

Prof. Nawangwe advised recent graduates to consider taking advantage of the declining population growth in other countries.

He emphasized that there is a significant shortage of skilled workers in certain nations, presenting employment opportunities for graduates to explore overseas.

"It is only in Africa where the population is increasing. I foresee a future where Africa will once again lead the world," he said.

Prof. Nawangwe encouraged the graduates not to become complacent because the current job market is highly competitive.

However, he remains optimistic that although today's generation faces tougher job challenges, there are also more opportunities available due to population growth.

Furthermore, he called upon the government to reevaluate its approach to job creation, highlighting that it is unacceptable for graduates to be unemployed in the streets of Kampala.

"In Sweden, 80% of the population attends university, whereas in Uganda, it is only 6%. Yet we have graduates struggling to find work. We need to make some changes; it's a disgrace," he stated.

Prof. Nawangwe also issued a warning to students who misuse their tuition fees and consequently fail to graduate.

Tetteh Ayitevie, CEO of Prudential Uganda, expressed his delight in announcing that each recipient of the second cohort of the scheme has received a reward of $500 as a token of appreciation for their hard work and dedication.

He commended the winners for their exemplary commitment and passion for actuarial science, acknowledging their relentless pursuit of knowledge and unwavering determination as qualities that set them apart as the best in their field.

Ayitevie also praised the university for its unwavering commitment to academic excellence and for being a valued partner in this transformative initiative.

He revealed that through their Support Scheme, the awardees not only receive financial assistance but also benefit from mentorship and internship opportunities that will propel them towards success in their future endeavours.

"I am pleased to announce that Mark Muhumuza has already started his internship with us, and Gloria Akumu, who joined us last year, will be completing her internship at the end of this month," he added.

Ayitevie expressed optimism that the awardees will continue to excel in their upcoming examinations next month.