Government considers reserving jobs for fresh graduates

By Sikka Reporter

The government is exploring plans to introduce a recruitment programme that would set aside certain public service positions specifically for qualified but unemployed graduates.

The proposal forms part of wider efforts to address rising youth unemployment while also tackling staffing shortages across ministries, departments, and agencies.

Speaking at the 4th Annual National Labour Convention and Expo 2026 in Kampala, the Head of Public Service and Secretary to the Cabinet, Lucy Nakyobe, said a framework is being finalized to create clearer pathways for graduates to enter public institutions. The plan includes structured placements, volunteer opportunities, and formal graduate recruitment schemes.

According to Nakyobe, the initiative is intended to ease the transition from education to employment, as many graduates struggle to secure jobs due to limited opportunities and strict experience requirements.

She explained that the government is working with various ministries to allow university graduates to gain experience through volunteer roles and entry-level placements. These changes will also be supported by reforms such as the introduction of electronic recruitment systems aimed at improving transparency and reducing human interference in hiring.

Nakyobe highlighted a mismatch in the labour market, noting that while thousands of graduates complete their studies each year, many public institutions still face significant staffing gaps that hinder service delivery.

Recent figures from the Auditor General’s report for the period ending December 31, 2025, show that nearly 46 percent of public service positions—about 301,600 jobs—remain vacant.

Data from the Ministry further indicates that existing graduate placement programmes have been relatively successful, with 70 to 80 percent of participants retained by employers after completing their placements.

Vice President Jessica Alupo, who officiated at the event, said such reforms are essential as Uganda prepares for continued population growth driven by a youthful demographic. With more than 70 percent of the population under the age of 30, the country’s population is projected to reach 104 million by 2060.

She stressed that this trend presents both opportunities and challenges, urging greater investment in skills development, education, and job creation to harness the potential of young people.

Officials added that the proposed recruitment programme will be complemented by initiatives such as apprenticeships, internships, and partnerships with the private sector to better prepare graduates for the job market.

Nakyobe also noted that while the public service remains attractive to young job seekers, reforms are needed to make it more accessible, efficient, and transparent.

Meanwhile, Gender and Labour Minister Betty Amongi said the initiative aligns with broader government strategies to address skills gaps and improve employability. She pointed out that many graduates lack practical, industry-relevant skills, which sometimes forces employers to hire foreign workers for technical roles.

To address this, the government is prioritizing vocational training, STEM education, and industry-linked apprenticeship programmes in collaboration with the Ministry of Science and Technology.

Statistics from the Ministry of Gender show that about 5.2 million young people aged 18 to 30 are not in education, employment, or training, representing 42 percent of youth excluded from the labour market.

However, labour unions and private sector representatives cautioned that challenges remain significant. Youth between 15 and 30 years account for nearly 80 percent of the unemployed, while the majority of working youth—between 80 and 90 percent—are engaged in informal, low-paying, and unstable jobs.

Richard Biriggwa, Secretary General of the National Organisation of Trade Unions, urged the government to expedite the long-pending minimum wage policy and strengthen labour laws to improve worker protection.

Stakeholders also raised concerns about the growing platform economy, noting that many young people working in digital and social media-based jobs lack adequate legal safeguards due to limited regulation in the sector.