Govt Scaling Up Strategy to Reduce Unemployment

By Patrick Okino

The Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development, Betty Amongi, has said the government is scaling up the Skilling Uganda Strategy, which emphasizes Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), to reduce youth unemployment.

Amongi noted that programs such as apprenticeships and graduate volunteer schemes are helping to bridge the school-to-work transition gap.

She revealed that the government has so far supported 1,134 apprentices and 242 graduate volunteers, achieving an employment transition rate of 71.73 percent.

She added that the programme will continue to expand placements across districts, cities, and municipalities to enhance youth employability and support the creation of an industry-ready workforce.

Amongi cited limited access to finance, skills mismatch, and rapid labour force growth among the key constraints to achieving a productive and decent workforce.

The remarks were made during International Labour Day celebrations held on May 1 at Nkoyoyo Boarding Primary School playground in Buikwe District. The event was presided over by President Yoweri Museveni.

Amongi said the theme, “Safeguarding Uganda’s Progress: Empowering the Workforce and Promoting Decent Work for Competitive Enterprises,” is both timely and strategic, noting that labour remains Uganda’s most abundant factor of production and a key driver of structural transformation and sustained economic growth.

“We have made progress in achieving decent work, though key challenges require targeted interventions under the new National Development Plan IV (NDP4),” she said.

She also observed that a significant portion of the workforce is seeking employment opportunities abroad, particularly in the Middle East, driven by the pursuit of better economic prospects and openness to alternative lifestyles.

“Despite legislative gains, the national minimum wage remains a point of contention. As of April 2026, discussions are ongoing in Cabinet to establish realistic, sector-based wage structures to replace the obsolete 1984 rate,” Amongi added.