Kampala, Uganda – The Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) has released the latest data from the National Population and Housing Census 2024, shedding light on the country’s labour force dynamics.
The report highlights the labour force demographics at international standards and national context including the working-age population (15+), employment-to-population ratios (15+) and unemployment rate of persons (15 years and above).
The report also highlights youth aged 15-24 years not in employment, education, or training. For age groups 14-64 years, the report covers labour force participation and unemployment, providing critical insights into the workforce landscape.
The figures reveal a complex landscape of both progress and challenges.
Key Highlights:
Working Age Population: A significant portion of the population, 57.4%, falls within the working-age group (15 years and above). This represents a substantial pool of potential workers.
Employment: While 37.9% of the working-age population is employed, unemployment remains a concern, affecting 12.3% of this group.
Youth Not in Employment, Education or Training (NEET): A concerning 42.6% of young people aged 15-24 are not engaged in any form of productive activity.
Labour Force Participation: The labour force participation rate stands at 43.2%, indicating that a substantial portion of the working-age population is actively seeking employment.
Regional Context
When comparing the national figures to the labour force in a regional context (14-64 years), there is a slight variation:
Working-Age Population: 56.7% of the population falls within this age bracket; Employment: 37.5% of this group is employed; Unemployment: 12.6% of this group is unemployed and Labour Force Participation: 42.9% of this age group is actively participating in the labour force.
Analysis and Implications:
The data underscores the need for concerted efforts to address unemployment and underemployment in Uganda. The high NEET rate among youth is particularly alarming, as it points to a potential loss of human capital and future economic productivity.
The government and stakeholders need to focus on strategies that create job opportunities by expanding economic sectors, promoting entrepreneurship, and investing in skills development programs are crucial to generating employment for the growing workforce.
The government also needs to improve education and training by addressing the NEET issue requires strengthening education and training systems to equip young people with the skills needed for the labour market.
Supporting youth engagement through initiatives promoting youth participation in community development, entrepreneurship programmes, and vocational training can provide alternative pathways to economic empowerment.
The labour force data from the 2024 census provides a valuable snapshot of Uganda’s workforce landscape. By understanding the challenges and opportunities, policymakers and stakeholders can develop targeted interventions to create a more inclusive and productive labour market for all Ugandans.