Uganda’s Minister Urges Youth to Choose Job-Oriented Skills

Uganda: Speaking at the graduation ceremony of 250 students at Rubanda Technical Institute in Kandiihe Village, Nyaruhanga Ward, Rubanda Town Council, Rubanda District, on Saturday, March 15, 2025, The State Minister of Finance, Henry Musasizi, has urged students to pursue courses that provide skills relevant to the job market, particularly those that avoid the prolonged job search associated with some fields, such as the social sciences. Job oriented skills in Uganda

Minister Musasizi highlighted that the government has identified key sectors for job creation, including agro-processing, manufacturing, services such as hotels, banks, and tourism, and science and technology. “The jobs are in agro-processing, manufacturing, services, science, and technology. Do social sciences apply in agro-processing? Can community psychology contribute to science and technology? Do social sciences play a role in agriculture? The answer is no. Therefore, we encourage the youth to acquire skills that align with the job market,” Minister Musasizi stated.

He also urged parents to take an active role in guiding their children’s academic choices. “When your child says they want to pursue a degree, ask them how relevant it will be in today’s competitive job market. In the 1990s, gaining admission to Makerere University was a source of pride, especially in areas like Rubanda. However, times have changed. When we look at economies like China’s, we see that many people working in factories do not have degrees but possess valuable skills. I urge parents to encourage career paths that lead directly to employment,” he added.

Minister Musasizi commended Kabale Diocese for championing skill-based education that prepares students for the workforce. He highlighted the value of vocational skills by comparing earnings:

“A builder earns at least Shs 20,000 per day, which amounts to about Shs 600,000 per month. How many degree holders are earning that much? If two people in a household earn that, they can build a stable future,” he explained.

He also encouraged graduates to take advantage of government wealth creation programs, such as the Emyooga and Parish Development Model, to promote self-reliance and economic growth.

Minister Musasizi further announced that Rubanda Technical Institute will soon transition into a government institution.

“I have spoken with the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Ms Janet Museveni, and we have agreed that this technical institute should be taken over by the government. Funds have been allocated for the transition in this financial year, but we are awaiting the necessary code from the Ministry of Public Service,” he noted.

The Deputy Director-General of the Internal Security Organization (ISO), Col. Emmy Katabazi, who was represented by his wife, Ms. Jacqueline Katabazi, echoed Minister Musasizi’s sentiments. She emphasized the government’s focus on promoting skills development among the youth.

“I had the opportunity to visit China and tour factories. I realized that many factories are built and operated by families who unite to develop different skills. We should learn from this model to fully embrace skills development and combat youth unemployment,” she stated.

Rev Fr Aurelius Maguru, the Parish Priest of Immaculate Heart of Mary Rubanda Catholic Parish, also stressed the importance of technical institutes, dispelling the misconception that they are only for academic failures.

“I want to change the mindset of some parents who see technical institutes as a last resort for those who fail academically. These institutions provide hands-on skills that are often more valuable than theoretical knowledge. We have some of the best students in technical schools,” he said.

He reassured the graduates that acquiring practical skills would secure their future. “As long as you have skills, you will never be lost in the outside world,” he told them.

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