Over 1,000 young Ugandans gathered at Muni University over the weekend as BrighterMonday Uganda rolled out its Gen-Kazi upskilling programme, under the theme “Matching Ambition with Opportunity.”
The initiative aims to address the growing gap between academic output and workplace readiness in the West Nile region, equipping youth with practical skills to thrive in Uganda’s competitive job market.
Alfred Okunozi encouraged participants to look beyond academic qualifications, emphasizing that success in the modern economy depends on practical skills and the ability to solve real-world problems.
Judith Lenia Latifah, People & Culture Manager at Omia Agribusiness Development Group Ltd, reinforced the message, urging attendees to evaluate their capacity to contribute effectively in the workplace.
Central to the event was the integration of BrighterMonday’s AI Career Assistant, which guides users in creating recruiter-ready CVs, optimizing cover letters for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), and practicing AI-driven mock interviews. The tool, developed in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, helps close the visibility and readiness gap for youth entering the workforce.
Imma Audrey Grace, Head of Learning & Development at BrighterMonday Uganda, emphasized that tools alone are not enough: courage and initiative remain key to seizing opportunities.
The programme also certified participants in “Power Skills,” including emotional intelligence, strategic communication, and entrepreneurial thinking, equipping them to transition seamlessly from university to the professional world. Organizers said the initiative represents a new model for workforce development in Uganda, combining technology, soft skills, and entrepreneurial training to ensure that graduates are job-ready from day one.
