Africa-Press – Uganda. The Bishop of North Ankole Diocese, Rt. Rev. Alfred Muhoozi, has called on parents to prioritise vocational skills training for their children as a key solution to the growing challenge of youth unemployment in Uganda.
Speaking on Thursday during a confirmation service of over 60 children at Akengyeya CoU Parish in Kyampangara Sub-county, Kazo District, Bishop Muhoozi stressed that academic qualifications alone are no longer a guarantee of employment in today’s competitive job market.
“In Uganda today, there are no longer enough jobs for every graduate from higher institutions of learning,” he said.
“Parents must take deliberate steps to enroll their children in vocational schools so they can acquire hands-on skills that will enable them to create their own employment opportunities.”
He criticised the tendency of some parents to undervalue vocational education, treating it as a last resort instead of recognising its potential to transform lives.
“It is unfortunate that many parents only consider vocational training when all other options fail. Yet, these schools equip young people with practical skills like building, construction, mechanics, and welding that can help them earn a living and become self-reliant,” Bishop Muhoozi emphasised.
His remarks come against the backdrop of rising youth unemployment in Uganda, which stood at 16.1% among youth aged 18-30, according to the 2024 Population and Housing Census report.
The Ugandan government has introduced several initiatives, including the Youth Livelihood Programme (YLP) and the Skilling Uganda Initiative, aimed at empowering young people with entrepreneurial and technical skills. Other programs such as the Youth Venture Capital Fund have also been rolled out to support youth-led enterprises.
However, despite these interventions, the challenge of youth unemployment persists, with experts calling for increased funding and reforms to strengthen vocational training.
Bishop Muhoozi’s call adds to growing voices urging a shift in mindset toward vocational education, which is increasingly seen as a viable pathway for economic empowerment and poverty reduction.
For More News And Analysis About Uganda Follow Africa-Press
