Kampala — Uganda’s top government leaders, policymakers, religious figures, and labour sector stakeholders have called for urgent and coordinated action to address youth unemployment, improve skills development, and strengthen labour governance during the 4th Annual National Labour Convention and Expo 2026 held at Kampala Serena Hotel.
The Vice President of the Republic of Uganda, H.E Jessica Alupo, officiated the event as the Guest of Honour and underscored the central role of Uganda’s youthful population in shaping the country’s economic future.
“The critical role of Uganda’s youthful labour force in driving productivity, enterprise growth, and national transformation cannot be overstated,” Alupo said. “Investing in skills development, job creation, and labour governance is essential to unlocking the country’s demographic dividend.”
She emphasised that the government remains committed to industrial growth, youth enterprise support, and decent work for all citizens.
“We are committed to promoting industrial growth, supporting youth-led enterprises, strengthening labour administration, and ensuring fair and decent work for all Ugandans,” she said. “Government, the private sector, workers, and development partners must work collectively in creating sustainable employment opportunities.”
Alupo also urged participants to ensure that discussions translate into action. “We must translate dialogue into actionable solutions that empower young people, enhance productivity, and contribute to national prosperity,” she said.
She further highlighted Uganda’s demographic structure, noting the urgency of long-term investment.
“With 73.2% of Uganda’s population aged 0–30 and projections showing growth from 45.9 million in 2024 to 104 million by 2060, our future depends on investing in health, education, and skills,” she said.
Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa, echoed similar sentiments, emphasising youth empowerment as a national priority. “Uganda’s youth are not just beneficiaries of development but the primary drivers,” Tayebwa said. “We must empower them through targeted policies that harness their innovation and potential.”
He stressed skills development and labour market alignment. “Unlocking youth potential means investing in vocational training, digital skills, and practical competencies aligned with labour market needs,” he said. “We must also support youth entrepreneurship by improving access to finance, markets, and innovation ecosystems.”
Tayebwa further called for structural reforms. “Formalising employment and expanding social protection are crucial steps to safeguard workers’ rights and improve working conditions,” he said. “Stakeholders must move beyond discussion and commit to practical, scalable solutions that create decent work and shared prosperity.”
Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development, Betty Amongi, said the government is intensifying efforts to prepare young people for work and enterprise.
“Uganda’s future depends on how well we equip young people for work and enterprise,” Amongi said. “We are focusing on skilling the youth to prepare them for the job market.”
She highlighted key government programmes. “Programmes such as Jua Kali, the National Apprenticeship Programme, GROW, and the Youth Livelihood Programme are supporting entrepreneurship and stimulating self-employment,” she said.
State Minister for Labour, Employment and Industrial Relations, Esther Anyakun, emphasised collaboration among stakeholders.
“No single institution can address these challenges in isolation,” Anyakun said. “Sustainable progress will require strengthened partnerships between government, the private sector, development partners, workers’ and employers’ organisations, as well as academia.”
She also noted ongoing reforms in the labour sector. “We are operationalising the Minimum Wages Advisory Board and Wages Councils to advance productivity and expand opportunities,” she said.
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, Aggrey Kibenge, revealed that the government is advancing reforms on the wages policy.
“A Cabinet paper is currently being developed to formally present proposals for the revitalisation of the Minimum Wages Advisory Boards and Wages Councils,” he said.
Kibenge also stressed the need for practical outcomes. “By close of proceedings, we should have agreed upon specific, time-bound, and assignable recommendations—not general aspirations, but practical actions with named responsible parties and measurable indicators,” he said.
Religious leader Apostle Grace Lubega of Phaneroo Ministries International also addressed participants, calling for a mindset shift among young people.
“We need to start conversations of purpose-driven youth that love their nation and their purpose,” Lubega said. “We are supposed to build dreams and birth innovations that support our young people.”
