Museveni Blames Poor Career Guidance for Graduate Unemployment in Uganda

President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda has identified poor career guidance in schools as a major contributor to graduate unemployment. Speaking at Gulu University's 22nd graduation ceremony, Museveni noted that many students are not adequately guided towards in-demand professions such as medicine, engineering, and information technology. This mismatch between university training and labor market demands leads to high unemployment among young graduates.

A total of 1,755 students graduated at the ceremony, marking the highest number of graduates since Gulu University was established in 2002. The President, represented by First Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Crispus Kiyonga, emphasized the need for the education system to equip learners with practical and diverse skills, particularly in science-based disciplines. This, he believes, will enable them to meet the demands of the labor market.

Museveni identified doctors, accountants, science teachers, ICT experts, nurses, and engineers as professionals in high demand. He urged schools and universities to strengthen career guidance and encourage learners to pursue courses that offer relevant employment opportunities. The President also challenged graduates to look beyond formal employment and use their knowledge and skills to create jobs and wealth.

The Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Kataaha Museveni, echoed the President's sentiments, urging universities to focus on producing graduates with practical competencies. She noted that employers are increasingly interested in what graduates can demonstrate and produce rather than their academic certificates. The government reaffirmed its commitment to supporting research, science, technology, and innovation.

Gulu University Chancellor Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda challenged graduates to become problem solvers and agents of change. He described academic qualifications as instruments of liberation, problem-solving tools, and keys to unlocking a prosperous future. Rugunda encouraged graduates to apply their knowledge and skills to address community challenges and take advantage of government programs such as the Parish Development Model.

At the ceremony, Gulu University awarded four doctoral degrees, 183 master's degrees, and 1,284 undergraduate degrees. Science programs accounted for 39% of the university's academic programs, while humanities disciplines constituted 61%. The university also conferred a posthumous Honorary Doctor of Science degree on Dr. Cyprian Opira and an Honorary PhD on Stella Mistica Sabiti.

Key initiatives have been proposed to address graduate unemployment. Three key points emerged: strengthening career guidance in schools, promoting science-based disciplines, and encouraging graduates to create jobs and wealth. The government's socioeconomic transformation agenda aims to support these initiatives and reduce unemployment among young graduates.

Key points

• President Museveni attributes graduate unemployment to inadequate career guidance in schools.
• The education system needs to equip learners with practical and diverse skills, particularly in science-based disciplines.
• Graduates are encouraged to create jobs and wealth, rather than solely seeking formal employment.