Ugandans have been encouraged to embrace hands-on skills and enroll in vocational training institutions as a practical pathway to employment, entrepreneurship, and economic development. Stakeholders say technical and vocational education remains critical in addressing the country’s growing youth unemployment challenge.

As Uganda continues to grapple with high levels of youth unemployment, experts are increasingly calling for greater investment in practical skills training and vocational education to prepare young people for the labor market.

The Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector has experienced steady growth in recent years as government and private sector players seek to equip young people with marketable skills and reduce dependence on white-collar jobs.

Statistics indicate that more than 400,000 Ugandans enter the labor market annually, yet only a small fraction secure formal employment opportunities.

At the same time, a significant number of young people remain outside employment, education, or training, underscoring the need for alternative pathways to economic empowerment.

According to Engineer Sirasha Abdullah, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Sirasha Engineering Company Limited, vocational education offers practical solutions by equipping young people with skills that can create jobs and support self-employment.

Abdullah said many young people possess talents and abilities that can be transformed into productive careers if given the right training and support.

He urged parents to pay closer attention to the interests and strengths of their children instead of focusing solely on traditional academic pathways.

He further noted that vocational institutions continue to face challenges, including inadequate funding, limited training materials, and the high cost of modern equipment required for practical instruction.

Abdullah called upon government and development partners to increase investment in the sector to improve the quality of training and expand access to skills development opportunities.

With more than half of Uganda’s population below the age of 18, stakeholders say strengthening vocational education is essential for harnessing the country’s demographic potential and reducing unemployment.

Through initiatives such as the Skilling Uganda Programme, the government has increasingly shifted focus towards practical, market-oriented training aimed at preparing young people for the demands of the modern economy.

Experts believe that continued investment in vocational education, technology, and innovation will play a key role in creating jobs, promoting entrepreneurship, and driving Uganda’s socio-economic transformation.