President Museveni has attributed rising unemployment among young Ugandans to poor career choices, warning that many students are pursuing courses that do not match the demands of the job market.
While addressing during Labour Day celebrations at Nkoyoyo Boarding Primary School grounds in Matale, Buikwe District, Museveni said the problem is not the lack of jobs, but a mismatch in skills.
“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.
The President revealed that he has directed the Ministry of Education to guide learners towards more relevant fields of study.
“I have guided the Ministry of Education to provide clear direction so learners choose relevant fields and we shall take it up,” he added, advising those who pursued less marketable courses to “go for retooling.”
Museveni also called on Ugandans to focus on production as a pathway to wealth creation, noting that even small pieces of land can generate income if properly utilised.
“Wealth comes from production. Even four acres or less is enough if utilised well through intensive agriculture. Stop working haphazardly and plan properly,” he said.
He further urged citizens to avoid expensive commercial loans and instead tap into government programmes such as the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Uganda Development Bank (UDB) for affordable financing.
Highlighting the role of stability, Museveni said Uganda’s industrial growth is a result of sustained peace.
“The 5,000 factories we are seeing today have come because of peace. With discipline, correct choices, and hard work, Uganda will continue to create jobs and prosper,” he said.
He concluded by congratulating Ugandans upon reaching another Labour Day celebration.
