Pictures of different students who recently graduated from Makerere University standing on various streets in Kampala while fully dressed in their graduation gowns, holding placards saying What’s Next bombarded the internet this morning.
For a parent who paid three or more years' tuition for their son/daughter to go to University, this is a devastating sight. The major probable reason why these graduands are doing this is the high lack of jobs, something that is not new to the Ugandan community.
One of the biggest problems Uganda is facing as a country is the high rate of unemployment. With an estimated population of 45 million people( http://worldpopulationreview.com/countries/uganda-population/), Uganda is one of the fastest growing populations in the world. Sadly, 78% of this population is below 30 years of age, a group known as the youth.
Youth unemployment in Uganda stands between 64% -70%. There are various causes of unemployment in Uganda, but the commonly given reason is the poor education system that does not favor job creation. It has been said several times that the system is more theoretical than practical, which means that students graduate from the University with degrees but without the technical know how of the way things should be done, or how to use what they know to create employment for themselves.
What is your take on this move by the students? Do you think the government will respond to the message they are giving out? Leave us a comment below. We would like to know what you think.
