Determinants of Youth Unemployment in Uganda Case Study: Butimba, Eastern Division in Rukungiri District

Abstract

We investigate the determinants of youth unemployment in Uganda, taking a case study of Butimba, Eastern division, Rukungiri district. The study was prompted by an interest in examining the problem of youth unemployment that has existed for some time and is still growing despite the effort by the government and other stake holders. The specific objectives of the study were: to examine how the current education system has contributed to youth unemployment in Uganda, to determine the effect of negative attitude towards vocational skill acquisition to youth unemployment in Uganda, and to find out the effect of government policies on the youth unemployment in Uganda.

Data was got from both primary and secondary sources. Primary data was collected through administering of questionnaires to a sample of youths in Butangasi and Rwamawa. Data was also collected through face to face interviews with key informants from various youth officials at the district level and also at the DFCU Bank in Kampala. Secondary data was on the other hand collected from reports, journals and newspapers, to mention but a few.

The study shows that the current education system is inappropriate in addressing the challenge of youth unemployment; it is mainly theoretical and therefore doesn’t output skilled labour force. Hence creating job seekers than job creators, the government policies targeting the youth to fight against unemployment are not functioning as desired and are highly under the political influence. In addition the results also showed that the vocational skill acquisition has failed due to the wrong perception by the parents and the youth that it is for the low educated and enhances low paying jobs.

The study recommends the overhauling of the education system with the view of producing job creaters. We recommend the government to review its policies with aim of making them youth employment friendly. It should also reform the education curriculum in both secondary and vocational schools to emphasize skills development, increased investment. The youth should be enlightened on a number of things which include the opportunities presented by vocational institutions in terms of creating employment.

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