1.88Million Ugandan Youths Are Jobless- Census Statistics Reveal

According to the recent released statistics by the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) during the National Population and Housing Census, indicate that a total of 1.880,000 Ugandan Youths between the age of 18-30 are jobless and have spent over two years on streets hunting for jobs but all in vain and totals up to 16%,Spyreports has learnt.

 The report further shows that the total unemployment rate from the age of 14-64 years has also shot up to 5,783,400. UBOS has also found out that 25.2 millions Ugandans out of 45.9 were in employment in both government, private sectors and self employed.

 The report has also shown that a total of 17,442000 are employed in all forms and 7.50 are males while 6.627 are females. It is also stated in the report that 23.409 Million Ugandans were not employed and were not in any training Education institution.

 It has also been revealed that 31.212 Million Ugandans are in employment with education qualifications while 15.147 are employed with no formal education.

The information obtained from 2024 Census provides valuable data on the economic characteristic of the house hold population, offering essential context for interpreting labour market inductors. 

"Labour statistics are critical for measuring a nation's economic growth and development, they play a vital role in monitoring and evaluating national and international development frame work such as National Development Plan iii ,Africa Agenda 2063 and 2030 agenda for sustainable Development goals all aimed at improving the welfare and quality of life for Ugandans," Reads wider part of the report.

The report indicates that majority if working population has completed secondary level education which 98% while about 30% of the working population has no formal education. " The highest population in the working age are residing in urban Centers comprising of 60.4%. Karamoja has the lowest working age population at 49%.

The UBOS report reveals that 39% were employed, 29% own private jobs while 1.7% are interns. "49% of the unemployed youth had been looking for work or trying to start a business for more than one year," reveals the report adding that 33% of the youth had been jobless or doing work for pay or profit for two years and above.

It is also noted in the report that over 1.8 millions Ugandans between the age of 14-64 are willing to work but there are no jobs. 

To address the urgent need for poverty reduction and enhanced welfare, the government has prioritised investment and job creation as reflected in the theme of National Development plan.

"Sustainable industrialisation for inclusive growth and sustainable weather creation," says report. When interviewed State Minister for Youth Hon Dr Balaam Barugahare, he says the government is trying to reduce unemployment among the youth.

 "The government is setting up industries, in almost every region to provide jobs for unemployed youth," he says.

He adds that the government allows investors to invest in Uganda such that they can provide jobs for the youth. "The government is also imparting skills to the youth such that they can become self employed and reduce on the rate of unemployment," he sounds.