BrighterMonday Uganda, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, convened a career empowerment event under the theme “Take Control: Own Your Career Path” to help tackle youth unemployment.
Held at Motiv in Kampala, the half-day event brought together more than 60 participants, including job seekers, employers, policymakers, and innovators.
The initiative is part of BrighterMonday’s larger #TakeControl campaign, which aims to equip over 10,000 young Ugandans with the tools, knowledge, and digital resources to succeed in a fast-evolving job market.
Speaking at the event, Hilda Kabushenga, CEO of The African Talent Company (TATC), called for stronger partnerships to address the unemployment crisis facing Uganda’s youth who make up more than 70% of the country’s population.
“Too many young people are ready and willing to work, yet they are held back by a lack of opportunities, skill gaps, or simply not knowing where to start,” Kabushenga said. “This gathering is more than just a conversation—it is a bridge between ambition and opportunity.”
The event featured a high-impact panel discussion where experts from innovation, MSMEs, and human capital sectors explored strategies to close the gap between education and employment.
Speakers emphasized the need for mindset shifts, the power of technology, and practical, skills-based approaches to hiring.
BrighterMonday Uganda’s Country Programme Lead, Pamela Kabahesi, underscored the importance of digital readiness in the future of work.
She added, “We are deeply passionate about inclusion, ensuring every young person has access to dignified work.”
Breakout sessions gave job seekers hands-on learning on building online presence, preparing for remote work, and future-proofing their careers.
Employers, on the other hand, took part in a masterclass on inclusive, digital-first recruitment strategies.
Participants also interacted with BrighterMonday’s new AI-powered career tools, including a virtual career assistant that offers real-time, personalized job search support.