President Yoweri Museveni has said unemployment in Uganda is not caused by a lack of jobs but by what he described as poor career choices and lack of focus among young people.
Speaking on Friday during Labour Day celebrations at Nkoyoyo Boarding Primary School grounds in Matale, Buikwe District, Museveni said many young Ugandans, whom he referred to as “Bazzukulu,” are studying courses that do not match labour market demands.
“I told the people that unemployment is not due to lack of jobs, but wrong choices and lack of focus. Many of the Bazzukulu are studying courses that are not aligned to the job market,” he said.
He said government has already instructed the Ministry of Education to guide learners towards more relevant fields and stressed the need for retooling for those already affected.
“I have guided the Ministry of Education to provide clear direction so learners choose relevant fields and we shall take it up. I would also advise those who have done such irrelevant courses to go for retooling,” he said.
Museveni also urged Ugandans to focus on production as a path to wealth creation, especially through agriculture, saying even small pieces of land can be productive if properly utilised.
“I also urge our people to wake up. Wealth comes from production. Even 4 acres or less is enough if utilised well through intensive agriculture,” he said.
He cautioned against unplanned economic activities and reliance on costly loans from commercial banks, encouraging citizens to use government-backed financing schemes instead.
“Stop working haphazardly (okutomera) and plan properly. Those rushing for expensive loans from commercial banks should instead utilize affordable capital through the PDM and UDB,” he said.
The President noted that Uganda’s growing industrial base, including more than 5,000 factories, is a result of sustained peace and stability. He said continued discipline and focus would drive further job creation and economic growth.
Museveni congratulated Ugandans on Labour Day, praising workers for their role in national development.