A total of 140 young people have graduated from Uganda Breweries Limited (UBL)’s Learning for Life program, an initiative designed to equip participants with essential business and hospitality skills to enhance employability and improve livelihoods.
The program aligns with Uganda Breweries Society’s 2030 Sustainability Action Plan, which seeks to create a sustainable and inclusive world by 2030 through a purpose-driven business model that thrives in the long term. A core pillar of this strategy is inclusion and diversity, with a commitment to ensure that 50% of beneficiaries from community programs are women and that underrepresented groups are empowered across different communities.
This year’s intake placed particular emphasis on women and persons with disabilities (PWDs), who continue to face systemic barriers such as income inequality and limited access to employment opportunities. The cohort comprised 54 women, 70 men, and 16 persons with disabilities, bringing the total number of graduates to 140.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony, Sheila Sabune, Corporate Relations Director at UBL, underscored the persistent challenge of youth unemployment in Uganda, noting that programs like Learning for Life are critical in equipping young people with market-relevant skills.
According to the Uganda Bureau of Statistics 2024, Uganda’s overall unemployment rate stands at 12.3%. However, among youth aged 15 to 24, 42.6% are not in employment, education, or training, highlighting widespread underemployment in low-productivity jobs.
“Every year, about 400,000 young Ugandans enter the job market to compete for only 9,000 formal jobs,” Sabune said. “Nearly 39% of institutionally qualified youths fail to secure employment, a challenge that is even more severe for semi-skilled and unskilled individuals. At UBL, we aim to equip youths with practical and marketable skills that give them a competitive edge. Our Diageo Bar Academy certificate is internationally recognized, making these skills marketable both locally and abroad.”
Also speaking at the ceremony, Yogi Biriggwa, President of the Uganda Tourism Association, commended Uganda Breweries and its partners for empowering youth within their communities. She highlighted the program’s contribution to the tourism sector, noting that it equips graduates with skills in bartending, sales, entrepreneurship, and hospitality, enabling them to serve guests with confidence and professionalism.
“This training prepares you for real jobs and real customers,” Biriggwa said. “It supports youth employment and business creation across the tourism value chain. When you strengthen skills, you strengthen destinations. The best way to build a competitive tourism sector is by investing in people.”
She added that the hospitality industry is constantly evolving and requires individuals who are adaptable, innovative, open to new experiences, and committed to continuous learning.
