By Mathias Lutwama
His Excellency President Yoweri Museveni has introduced and supported different programmes aimed at giving young Ugandans opportunities to gain skills, access education, find employment and start businesses.
The following are some of the opportunities available to the youth:
1. Market Skills Proficiency
If you are aged 30 years and below, with or without academic qualifications, but interested in gaining practical skills, there are presidential skilling hubs in different regions such as Bunyoro, Lango, Ankole, Acholi and Buganda.
In crowded cities such as Kampala, there are more than 15 presidential skilling centres where young men and women can train in areas such as carpentry, tailoring, mechanics, ICT and other practical skills.
The aim is to develop a highly skilled workforce that can contribute to Uganda’s development, similar to countries such as Singapore and Malaysia.
2. University Government Sponsorship
Every academic year, the Government of Uganda supports at least 4,000 students across 12 public universities, including Makerere, Gulu, Mbarara, Lira, Kabale and other public universities.
President Museveni has also introduced additional university scholarship opportunities for students from financially disadvantaged families who perform well, especially in science subjects.
These programmes are aimed at helping young people access higher education and develop skills needed for Uganda’s development.
3. Army Enrollment
In the past, armies mainly focused on fighting wars and defending territories. Today, the military also plays an important role in protecting national sovereignty and contributing to national development.
From 2021 to 2026, at least 10,000 young people have reportedly been joining the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) every year.
Many of those recruited are professionals in fields such as medicine, law, economics and aviation.
Under the leadership of the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, young people are being given opportunities to serve the country through the UPDF while building careers in different fields.
4. Parish Reviving Financing (PRF)
President Museveni has also provided opportunities for young people aged between 18 and 35 through parish-level government financing.
If a parish receives Shs100 million from government, Shs30 million, or 30 per cent, is intended for young people in the parish to engage in activities such as agriculture and animal husbandry.
The programme is intended to help young people participate in productive economic activities and improve their incomes.
5. Youth Enterprise Fund
Many young people may not be aware of the available government financing opportunities.
If you are aged between 18 and 35, have a properly registered business and meet the required conditions, you can prepare a project proposal and apply for financing.
According to Lutwama, the Youth Step-Up Loan (YSL) provides loans ranging from Shs5 million to Shs100 million through the Uganda Development Bank.
The programme is intended to help young entrepreneurs grow their businesses and create employment opportunities.
6. Youth Livelihood Programme
The Youth Livelihood Programme (YLP) can be accessed by young people across Uganda’s districts, cities and municipalities.
Under the programme, young people can form groups of between 10 and 15 members and apply for financial support ranging from Shs5 million to Shs12 million.
The programme does not require conventional collateral and is interest-free, according to Lutwama.
Beneficiaries are expected to invest the money wisely in profitable projects that can generate income and improve their livelihoods.
Lutwama is a promoter of the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) and Deputy Resident District Commissioner of Alebtong District.
Email: lutwamamathias82@gmail.com
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