Business & Management
Scholars Advocate for Private Sector Expansion to Boost Youth Employment
In light of recent findings from a comprehensive study on the effects of digitalization on youth employment, scholars, including Dr. Matovu Fred, the Principal Investigator, are calling for a significant expansion of the private sector to address the rising unemployment rates among educated youth. The research, which delves into how the youth in Uganda are adapting to technological advancements, highlights several key areas that require urgent policy intervention.
The study reveals that Ugandan youth are increasingly adapting to technological changes through self-education, peer-to-peer learning, and continuous formal education. Despite their proactive approach, only a few organizations are offering necessary training for technological adaptation, leaving many youths to navigate these changes on their own.
Importantly, the youth have shown a strong willingness to invest in acquiring digital skills to remain competitive in the job market. Many see the digital trend not as a threat but as an opportunity to secure more decent jobs, including remote work opportunities and the ability to undertake multiple jobs simultaneously.
Policy Recommendations
Based on these findings, the researchers have put forward several policy recommendations:
- Expansion of the Private Sector: There is a pressing need to expand the private sector to absorb the growing number of educated youth entering the job market. This expansion is critical to providing more employment opportunities and leveraging the skills of the young workforce.
- Improving Internet Connectivity: To support uninterrupted use of digital systems in workplaces, it is essential to improve the reliability of internet connectivity. This improvement will ensure that digitalization efforts are not hampered by technical issues, enabling smoother and more efficient work processes.
- Reducing Data Costs: Lowering subscription fees and the cost of data is crucial to expanding bandwidth availability, which is necessary for activities such as big data analytics. Affordable internet access will empower more youths to engage in digital learning and work.
- Enhancing Cybersecurity: The research underscores the need for central coordination of cybersecurity safeguards. Implementing early warning systems for hackers and related threats will protect company systems and bolster the digital economy’s integrity.
- Reliable Data Protection Systems: Ensuring that data protection systems are trustworthy is vital. Building trust in enterprise data among third-party users and government agencies, such as the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB), Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), and Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), will encourage more businesses to digitize their operations.
Government and Private Sector Collaboration
The study’s authors emphasize that collaboration between the government and private sector is essential to implementing these recommendations effectively. By working together, they can create an environment that not only supports the digital adaptation of the youth but also drives economic growth and job creation.
In response to these findings, government officials and private sector leaders are urged to prioritize these policy recommendations. Expanding the private sector and improving digital infrastructure will play a critical role in harnessing the potential of Uganda’s youth, fostering innovation, and securing a brighter economic future for the nation.
As the digital landscape continues to evolve, these strategic measures will ensure that Uganda’s youth are not left behind but are instead at the forefront of the country’s economic transformation.
The research was funded by the government of Uganda through Makerere University Research and Innovation Fund.
The research team
PI: Fred Matovu: Principal Investigator (PI), Makerere University
Susan Kavuma: Co-PI, Makerere University
Hassan Mbaziira: Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development
Richard Sebaggala: Uganda Christian University, Mukono
Staff members from the Department of Population Studies, within the School of Statistics and Planning at Makerere University, have successfully completed a comprehensive three-day training on Doctoral Supervision. The training, held from June 28 to June 30, 2024, was meticulously conducted by esteemed faculty from the College of Education and External Studies, alongside experts from the Directorate of Research and Graduate Training.
The initiative, aimed at enhancing the supervisory skills of doctoral advisors, underscores Makerere University‘s commitment to academic excellence and robust research mentorship. The Deputy Principal of the College of Business and Management Sciences, Prof. James Wokadala, officiated the closing ceremony, commending the participants for their dedication and active engagement throughout the training sessions.
“We are committed to fostering a supportive and rigorous research environment for our doctoral candidates. This training is a testament to our dedication to academic excellence and effective mentorship,” remarked Prof. Wokadala in his closing address.
He said the college has got plans to improve PhD graduation levels, some of which include appointing two PhD coordinators per school. He asked the staff to exhibit high ethical standards while supervising the students.
The training program was generously funded by a grant from the Carnegie Corporation, secured by Dr. Patricia Ndugga. The grant facilitated a series of interactive workshops, case studies, and collaborative discussions, designed to equip the faculty with advanced supervisory techniques and strategies to support doctoral students effectively.
Dr. Patricia Ndugga expressed her gratitude for the support, stating, “This training is a significant step towards enhancing the quality of doctoral supervision at Makerere University. We are grateful to the Carnegie Corporation for their continued support in our quest to improve research training and mentorship.”
The participants, who included both seasoned and emerging academic staff, have expressed their enthusiasm for applying the new skills and knowledge gained to their supervisory roles, thereby enriching the academic journey of their doctoral students.
Makerere University remains steadfast in its mission to provide top-tier education and research training, continuously seeking avenues to enhance the capabilities of its faculty and the academic experience of its students.
In a key gathering at College of Business and Management Sciences’ School of Economics, stakeholders from diverse sectors convened yesterday (June 20, 24) to envision the future of economic education in Uganda. The occasion centered around the unveiling of the proposed Bachelor of Science in Development Economics, a program poised to reshape how economic challenges are addressed and opportunities harnessed in the country.
Among the esteemed speakers were Prof. Edward Bbaale, Principal of the college, and Prof. Ibrahim Mike Okumu, Dean of the School of Economics, whose shared enthusiasm for the new program underscored its potential impact. “This initiative aligns seamlessly with Uganda’s Development Goal Vision 2030 and the National Development Plan III (NDPIII),” Prof. Bbaale remarked. “Our aim is to empower students with the knowledge and skills to drive sustainable development across the nation.”
“Our aim is not only to contribute to the development of Uganda but also to impact the wider African region and beyond,” Prof. Bbaale said.
Development Economics, as emphasized by Prof. Okumu, represents a fusion of economic theory and practical application aimed at fostering inclusive growth and poverty reduction. “This program,” he explained, “is not just about classroom learning; it’s about preparing future economists to engage directly with real-world challenges and policy-making processes.”
With an emphasis on research-led teaching and innovative approaches to economic analysis, the Bachelor of Science in Development Economics aims to position graduates as thought leaders capable of driving sustainable economic growth and development.
The workshop provided a dynamic forum for stakeholders from the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, as well as representatives from KCCA, CHUSS, CONAS, URA, and the private sector, to offer valuable insights. Discussions centered on curriculum design, industry relevance, and collaborative opportunities, reflecting a shared commitment to equipping graduates with the skills demanded by today’s economy.
“The Ministry of Finance recognizes the pivotal role of this program in advancing Uganda’s economic agenda,” noted a representative during the workshop. “By focusing on development economics, we are fostering a cadre of professionals capable of driving innovation and sustainable growth.”
From the private sector, there was a clear call for graduates who possess not only theoretical knowledge but also practical experience. “We look forward to collaborating with the School of Economics to ensure that students gain hands-on skills that are directly applicable to our evolving business landscape,” remarked a representative from a leading industry player.
Looking forward, the School of Economics aims to integrate stakeholder feedback into finalizing the program’s curriculum and securing necessary accreditation. With an emphasis on research and policy analysis, the Bachelor of Science in Development Economics aims to prepare graduates to become catalysts for change, equipped to navigate Uganda’s economic complexities.
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