KABALE, UGANDA – Students have been advised to seize every available opportunity for voluntary work to acquire experience and essential skills that are crucial for securing substantive jobs amid today’s employment crisis.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The call was made by Mr. Amon Mukamasiimwe, Head of the Journalism and Mass Communication Department at Uganda Christian University’s Bishop Barham College, Kabale.
Mr. Mukamasiimwe delivered the keynote address at a one-day Career Guidance Seminar organized by Hearing Heart, a Kabale District-based Christian ministry that focuses on youth empowerment through sports, music talent nurturing, career development, and spiritual guidance.
The event, hosted by the Uganda National Institute for Teacher Education (UNITE), formerly National Teachers College, Kabale, attracted numerous youths from various universities and other tertiary institutions in the district . The event was also attended by secondary school students in the Advanced Level from selected schools in Kabale Municipality.
Highlighting the importance of preparation for a competitive job market, Mr. Mukamasiimwe urged students in higher institutions to actively seek volunteer opportunities that will help them build relevant skills and experience, even before completing their studies.
“The job market today is highly competitive, but those with skills and experience hold a distinct advantage over others. Therefore, before and after graduation, don’t wait for jobs. If immediate employment isn’t available, take advantage of opportunities to offer voluntary services,” he advised.
CUE IN.. AMON ON VOLUNTEERING
He further encouraged students to leverage social media to showcase their skills and technical abilities instead of using the online platforms solely for gossip and entertainment. Mr. Mukamasiimwe emphasized that students should present themselves as critical thinkers and problem-solvers to potential employers, rather than as burdens on the workforce.
“The world is looking for critical thinkers, employees who not only identify problems but also propose solutions,” he stated. He added that demonstrating this mindset during job applications and interviews is vital.
CUE IN…AMON ON CRITICAL THINKING
Additional career guidance tips shared with students included selecting A ‘level subject combinations aligned with desired university courses, developing digital skills, maintaining honesty and integrity, and cultivating leadership qualities.
Speaking at the event, Hearing Heart Director, Mr. Arnold Arinaitwe explained that the seminar was motivated by the need to equip students with knowledge and wisdom to navigate the ongoing global unemployment crisis, which has left many youths frustrated despite investing considerable time and family resources into their education.
He referenced the biblical story of Solomon’s encounter with God in 1 Kings 3:9, where the third King of Israel requested wisdom. Presented with the chance to ask for anything, Solomon asked God for a discerning heart to distinguish right from wrong while ruling Israel.
Representing Dean of UNITE Kabale Campus, the Chief Librarian Mr. Patrick Katusabe expressed gratitude to the organizers for choosing the institution as the venue for the seminar. He noted that the event was timely, as UNITE was preparing to graduate its first cohort of Bachelor’s degree students in 2027.
As of early 2026, the global youth unemployment rate (aged 15–24) is approximately 12.4%, according to the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) Employment and Social Trends 2026 report.
This is a slight increase from previous projections, with about 260 million young people worldwide not employed.
In Uganda, the youth unemployment rate is at 12.3 percent according to the 2024 National Census.
Further reports indicate that Uganda churns out over 700,000 new people into the labor market annually, but only about 90,000 secure formal employment, leaving over 600,000 unemployed.
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