Students in Eastern Uganda have been urged to rethink their understanding of success, as the Eastern Edition of the Career Fair at the Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU) in Mbale shifted the spotlight from academic qualifications to real-world skills required in today’s highly competitive job market.
While many young people continue to view academic papers as their ticket to employment, educators and industry leaders at the fair emphasized that soft skills, discipline, adaptability, and personal initiative are now the true currency of opportunity.
Pamela Kabahesi, Country Programme Lead at BrighterMonday Uganda, urged students to take personal responsibility for their future.
“We have an AI tool for CVs, we are offering soft skills training, entrepreneurship support, and connecting job seekers with employers. But none of it matters unless you become proactive,” she said.
“These programmes are for the youth, yes—but you must take charge. If it’s chasing your dream, if it’s looking for opportunities—the onus is on you.”
Her call to action was echoed throughout the event, with multiple speakers reminding students that today’s workplace rewards effort, attitude, and adaptability over titles and academic distinctions.
Representing IUIU, Rashid Kinsambwe said that many students enter university without clear goals, and the fair served as a critical wake-up call.
“Some students reach this level with no particular dream. This event has challenged them to think about what they want—and how to nurture it,” he said.
“When you get an opportunity, don’t waste it. Respect your work and be passionate about it.”
Keynote speaker and Vision Group CEO, Don Wanyama dismantled the long-held belief that a degree guarantees employment, warning students against entitlement.
“We advertise for one job and get 20,000 applicants. If you’re the lucky one, don’t think you’re doing your employer a favour. Have a dream, nurture it, and when opportunity comes, handle it with responsibility,” he advised.
For many students, the event was a turning point in their mindset—highlighting that the modern job market rewards value creators, not just title holders.
Moses Borasa, a Law student at IUIU, praised BrighterMonday Uganda for bringing the fair to the Eastern region and especially to their institution.
“It’s through this fair that I’ve learnt academic papers alone aren’t enough. If I don’t have communication or ICT skills, my degree alone won’t help me. I’ve learnt I shouldn’t just wait for a job—I should be ready to create one,” he said.
Ramla Namakambi, a midwifery student, echoed the importance of soft skills and the right attitude.
“Someone with a second class lower but good customer care can do better than a first class graduate with a bad attitude,” she said.
She thanked BrighterMonday and Mastercard Foundation for organizing the impactful event. “My mindset has totally changed—this was a real eye opener,” she added.
The fair highlighted a growing national and global consensus: academic excellence is important, but it is skills, mindset, and adaptability that set individuals apart in the real world.
