Africa-Press – Uganda. Students have been called upon to take responsibility for their future as the 2025 Eastern Edition of the National Career Fair concluded at the Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU), Mbale Campus.
Organized by BrighterMonday Uganda in partnership with Mastercard Foundation, the two-day fair brought together over 2,000 students from universities and institutions across the Eastern region, connecting them to potential employers and equipping them with employability skills.
Speaking at the event, Pamela Kabahesi, Country Programme Lead at BrighterMonday Uganda, urged students to move beyond dependency and embrace personal responsibility in shaping their careers.
“We are here in Mbale for the Career Fair Eastern Edition. The youth are hungry, they are eager to learn, and they are eager to meet prospective employers.”
She emphasized that opportunities exist but require deliberate effort and discipline.
“My take-home to the students is, your future depends on you. These programmes are here, but it all depends on how you use them.”
Kabahesi reminded the youth not to wait for miracles but to take initiative.
“If it is chasing your dream, the onus is on you. You have to take charge of your life. Do what you need to do to improve yourself every day.”
Representing the university management, Rashid Kinsambwe, Deputy University Secretary, said the fair had opened the eyes of many learners.
“This career fair is extremely important to the university and the community. It has exposed students to aspects they need when looking for jobs.”
He stressed discipline and humility as key to professional growth.
“When you get an opportunity, you don’t just waste it. You need to create time, respect your bosses and have passion for what you do.”
Kinsambwe noted that many young people dream without direction, but the fair had challenged them to rethink their ambitions.
“Some students come to this level without a clear dream. This fair has given them the challenge to think about their dreams and how to nurture them.”
Delivering the keynote address, media executive Don Wanyama encouraged students to dream boldly but remain grounded in discipline and ethics.
“It is important for you to have a dream. If you don’t have a dream, you don’t have drive.”
He cautioned against entitlement among young job seekers. “You can’t get a job and act like you’re doing your employer a favour. If you’re chosen among 20,000 applicants, take that opportunity seriously.”
Wanyama also spoke against the growing pressure among youth to attain quick success.
“Today at 25, young people are already in midlife crisis. Guard against desperation and unethical shortcuts.”
For many students, the fair was more than just a career event, it was a mindset shift.
Moses Borasa, a Bachelor of Law student, said the sessions opened his eyes to the power of additional skills.
“They taught us that beyond our degrees, we need communication, ICT, negotiation and interpersonal skills.”
He said the biggest takeaway was learning to become self-driven. “If I don’t have these skills, I will be locked out. They told us to be job creators, not just job seekers.”
Borasa added that the fair helped him realise that exposure expands opportunity.
“When I’m open to people beyond my field, I learn more and create networks that determine my future.”
Ramla Namakambi, a nursing student, echoed the same sentiments, stressing the value of practical skills.
“What I learnt is that papers alone don’t determine your career. Even someone with a second class can excel if they have the right soft skills.”
She highlighted that attitude matters just as much as academic excellence.
“You might be a brilliant student but rude to clients — and that alone can destroy your chances.”
Ramla said the fair empowered her to think beyond traditional employment.
“You can study and still create your own job. Skills like art, craft or digital marketing can sustain you as you wait for formal employment.”
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