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FOSTERING THE FUTURE AND LIVELIHOOD OF YOUNG PEOPLEIN UGANDA THROUGH SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND INNOVATION
African Technology Policy Studies Network (ATPS)TECHNOPOLICY BRIEF NO. 69
Nicholas OzortĞŶƚůĂŶĚDƵŚĂƟĂŚ
Alfred Nyambane

FOSTERING THE FUTURE AND
LIVELIHOOD OF YOUNG PEOPLEIN UGANDA THROUGH SCIENCE,TECHNOLOGY, AND INNOVATION

Nicholas Ozor
Wentland Muhatiah
Alfred Nyambane

African Technology Policy Studies Network (ATPS)AFR IC

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The African Technology Policy Studies Network (ATPS) isa transdisciplinary network of researchers, policymakers,
private sector actors and the civil society promoting thegeneration, dissemination, use and mastery of Science,
Technology and Innovations (STI) for African development,
environmental sustainability and global inclusion. In
collaboration with like-minded institutions, ATPS provides
platforms for regional and international research andknowledge sharing in order to build Africa’s capabilities in
STI policy research, policymaking and implementation forsustainable development.

AFR IC

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Published by the African Technology
Policy Studies Network (ATPS)
P. O. Box 10081, 00100- GPO,
Nairobi, Kenya©2024
ISBN: 978-9966-124-67-8

Fostering the Future and Livelihood of Young People in Uganda Science, Technology, and Innovation

Table of Contents
About the Project ......................................................................... iv
About Africa Technology Policy Studies Network (ATPS).............. v
Acknowledgement........................................................................ vi
Key Messages............................................................................... vii
1. Introduction ............................................................................ 1
2. Rationale for STI application in Youth Employment ................ 3
3. Methodology .......................................................................... 44. Major Findings......................................................................... 5
4.1 STI Policies and Programmes contributing to Youth 					 Employment in Uganda.................................................... 5
4.2 STI Institutional Framework for Youth Employment
			 in Uganda ........................................................................ 7
4.3 Challenges and Opportunities for Youth Employment in
Uganda ............................................................................. 10
4.4 Best Practices and Impacts for Youth Employment in		 Uganda ............................................................................. 12
5. Conclusion............................................................................... 22
6. Policy Recommendations........................................................ 23
References............................................................................... 26
ATPS TechnoPolicy Briefs Series............................................... 28

Fostering the Future and Livelihood of Young People in Uganda Science, Technology, and Innovationiii

About the ProjectThis project was launched amid Africa’s burgeoning youth population,offering immense potential for productivity and inclusive economic
growth. However, a significant portion of this demographic faces
unemployment challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic,
necessitating sustainable solutions through effective policy
interventions and institutional strengthening. Focusing on Ethiopia,
Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Uganda, and Zimbabwe, theinitiative reviews Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) policies
to understand the current landscape, identify successes and failures,and provide evidence-based insights for decision-making in criticalsectors for youth employment and wealth creation. Aligned with
continental strategies such as the Agenda 2063 and initiatives
such as the Mastercard Foundation’s Young Africa Works
strategy and the Afreximbank’s campaign for young people’s
participation in the implementation of the African Continental Free
Trade Area (AfCFTA) and youth mainstreaming in policy
engagements and cross-regional dialogues among others, theproject aims to inform policymaking and foster stronger linkages
among stakeholders to address youth unemployment, skills
development, and entrepreneurship. Through rigorous researchand stakeholder engagements, the project is catalyzing
evidence-based policy discussions and contributing to theformulation of effective strategies for job creation and youth
empowerment across Africa.

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Fostering the Future and Livelihood of Young People in Uganda Science, Technology, and Innovation

About Africa Technology Policy Studies
Network (ATPS)
The African Technology Policy Studies Network (ATPS) is atransdisciplinary network of researchers, policymakers, private sector
actors and civil society promoting the generation, dissemination,
use and mastery of STI for African development, environmental
sustainability and global inclusion. ATPS has over 5,000
members and 3,000 stakeholders in over 51 countries in 5
continents with institutional partnerships worldwide. We
implement our programs through members in national chaptersestablished in 30 countries (27 in Africa and 3 Diaspora chapters inAustralia, the United States of America, and the United Kingdom). In
collaboration with like-minded institutions, ATPS provides
platforms for regional and international research and knowledge
sharing in order to build Africa’s capabilities in STI policy
research, policymaking and implementation for sustainable
development.

Fostering the Future and Livelihood of Young People in Uganda Science, Technology, and Innovationv

Acknowledgement
The African Technology Policy Studies Network (ATPS) takes
this special opportunity to thank the Mastercard Foundation,
Afreximbank and other national partners for partnering with us andsupporting this study. The ATPS and partners also wish to appreciate
all the respondents led by the ATPS National Chapter Coordinator for
Uganda for their contributions to this study.

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Fostering the Future and Livelihood of Young People in Uganda Science, Technology, and Innovation

Key Messages• To bridge the skills gap and promote effective skills development, theMinistry of Education and Sports (MoES) and industry actors must
collaborate closely. Industry should contribute by identifying skills
needs, aligning curricula, and providing practical opportunities.
MoES must set standards, allocate funding, and ensure curriculum
relevance, driving impactful skills development together.
• The government, in partnership with financial institutions, should
prioritize financial literacy programs in schools and youth groups.
Financial literacy courses should be integrated into the curriculum,
and financial services providers can offer training and mentoring
to youth loan applicants. This will enhance financial literacy andresponsible financial behaviour among young people, promoting
economic growth.
• Both the government and private sector have roles to play infostering entrepreneurship and innovation among young Ugandans.
The government should create a supportive policy environment,
including incentives for R&D investment and simplified regulationsfor STI businesses. Private sector participation in R&D and innovation
activities can create jobs and address societal challenges.
• Development partners should increase scholarships and financial
aid for STEM students to enhance youth employability andentrepreneurship. Limited financial resources often hinder accessto quality STEM education. Targeted scholarships can also help close
the gender gap in STEM fields, making education and employment
opportunities more inclusive and diverse in Uganda. Collaboration
with African organizations can facilitate the implementation ofsuch initiatives.

Fostering the Future and Livelihood of Young People in Uganda Science, Technology, and Innovation vii

viii Fostering the Future and Livelihood of Young People in Uganda Science, Technology, and Innovation

1. Introduction
Uganda occupies an area of 241,551 Km² and has a population of
43.8 million people (Uganda Bureau of Statistics [UBOS], 2020).
Uganda boasts the world’s second-youngest population, with overthree-quarters (78%) of its citizens being under the age of 35. It
is anticipated that this youthful demographic will double in size
over the next 25 years1. The country is guided by Vision 2040 and
the National Science, Technology, and Innovations (STI) Policy of2009 which aims to strengthen the national capacity to generate,transfer, and apply scientific knowledge, skills, and technologies that
ensure Uganda transforms from a peasant country to a modern andprosperous country. Its overarching goal is to strengthen the national
capacity to generate, transfer, and apply scientific knowledge,
skills, and technologies that ensure the sustainable use of natural
resources for the realization of Uganda’s development goals, suchas youth employment. Due to a lack of necessary skills, young
Ugandans are more prone to unemployment, holding unstable andunsatisfying jobs, or engaging in informal employment. (Kempner,2020). Although informality does not always imply poor job quality,
there is a strong correlation between the two in Uganda.
Subsistence farming employs 41% of the total working-age population,
implying that a sizable proportion of the workforce neither generates
income nor participates in markets (Allen et al., 2016). The situation
becomes particularly pertinent for Uganda’s youth, as they constitute
60.2% of the workforce engaged in subsistence farming (National
Service Delivery Survey, 2021). This demographic challenge highlightsthat a considerable proportion of young people may not be generating
income or actively participating in formal markets. Consequently,
the strong correlation between informality and job quality in Uganda
can significantly impact the employment prospects and economic
well-being of its youth. Overall, the prevalence of informality skews
1

https://www.unicef.org/uganda/what-we-do/u-report

Fostering the Future and Livelihood of Young People in Uganda Science, Technology, and Innovation1

the unemployment rate, resulting in an inaccurate reflection of
Uganda’s labour market realities (Kempner, 2020). As a result, it is
crucial to consider employment quality and develop interventions tocombat underemployment and poor job quality as well. With many
Ugandans employed in near-subsistence agricultural or informal
low-productivity household enterprises, where jobs are precarious
and low-paying, Uganda’s main challenge is to address the country’s
growing lack of decent jobs. Strategic investments in STI can playa pivotal role in transforming these sectors, potentially fostering abrighter future and more sustainable livelihoods, especially for the
youth.

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2. Rationale for STI application in 		
Youth Employment
Uganda remains one of the world’s poorest countries in the world, witha Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita of US$760 in 2021 (World
Bank, 2022). Vulnerability persists, with approximately 7 million
Ugandans living below the poverty line. The country’s vulnerability
is exacerbated by the growing number of youth, who make Uganda
the world’s second youngest population (United Nations Population
Fund [UNFP], 2022). There have been previous attempts to create
jobs, but with a rapidly growing labour force, only a small fraction
is entering productive employment, leaving the majority of labour
in low-value-added activities, particularly in agricultural, informal,
and household enterprise sectors of services or manufacturing. STI
provides a pathway for Ugandan youths to develop their skills by
providing access to modern tools, knowledge, and training that are
essential for thriving in an increasingly technology-driven job market
in order to adequately address the huge skills gap between what thejob market requires and what the youths have (African Development
Bank, 2018).
As a result, embracing STI holds the promise of transforming Uganda
into a prosperous nation with an economically empowered youth
population. Nevertheless, there has been a lot of innovation andtechnology development and adoption taking place in Uganda,
including youth-led initiatives such as the creation of mobile
applications like “FarmConnect” for agricultural information
dissemination and digital payment solutions like “PayUg” tailored to
local needs. This innovative momentum needs to be maintained tosustain and further accelerate progress in the country’s technologicallandscape.

Fostering the Future and Livelihood of Young People in Uganda Science, Technology, and Innovation

33. Methodology
This policy brief was developed from a comprehensive study thatdelved into STI policies, institutions, stakeholder mapping, and ananalysis of youth employment within the realm of technologicalinnovation, skill enhancement, and entrepreneurship development.
The study was conducted across seven Sub-Saharan African (SSA)
countries, namely Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal,and Uganda. The study adopted a mixed-methods approach, whichenabled the collection of both qualitative and quantitative data. The
data-gathering process commenced with thorough desk studies ofexisting literature and secondary data. Subsequently, key informant
interviews (KIIs) were conducted, involving 20 carefully selected
respondents, to obtain primary data that encompassed both
qualitative and quantitative aspects. To further enrich the dataset
and cross-verify information obtained through other methods, focus
group discussions (FGD) were carried out.
The study engaged participants from a diverse range of stakeholder
categories, including government officials and policymakers,
representatives from the private sector and industry, members of civilsociety and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), researchers,
development partners, and individuals from the media. Special
attention was given to ensuring inclusivity and gender balance in theselection of respondents, with a particular focus on representing thevoices of youth and other marginalized groups.

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4. Major Findings
This section highlights the key policies, programmes, institutions,best practices, challenges, and opportunities in fostering youth’s
future and livelihood, youth employment, skills development, andentrepreneurship in Uganda.
4.1 STI Policies and Programmes Contributing to Youth Employment
in Uganda
Uganda’s STI ecosystem has played a critical role in increasing youth
employment in the country. Uganda has fostered innovation, skill
development, and entrepreneurship among its youth through arange of policies, programs, and initiatives. For instance, since its
inception in 2018, the Presidential Initiative on Skilling the Girl Child(PIG) has been training over 8000 beneficiaries annually with mostof them now gainfully employed2 . The National Science, Technology,
and Innovation Policy of 2009 is a critical component of Uganda’s
STI ecosystem. This policy establishes a comprehensive frameworkfor promoting and leveraging STI for long-term development. It
has achieved awareness creation, research development, andinfrastructure improvements, fostering an innovation culture.
However, it faces challenges in funding, commercialization,
coordination, inclusivity, and monitoring, highlighting the needfor renewed commitment and improvements to fully harness STI’s
potential.
Uganda has implemented several programmes and initiatives aimed
at increasing youth employability and encouraging entrepreneurship.
One such programme is the Presidential Initiative on Science andTechnology Innovations established in 2010. The initiative has
made significant strides in promoting and supporting STI in the
country. It has facilitated increased investment in R&D, fostering2

https://kampalapost.com/content/over-8000-presidential-initiative-skilling-girl-child-beneficiaries-graduate

Fostering the Future and Livelihood of Young People in Uganda Science, Technology, and Innovation5

collaborations between academia and industry, and providing aplatform for innovation-driven enterprises to thrive. However,challenges such as limited funding allocation, bureaucratic hurdles,
and the need for stronger linkages between research outputs andpractical applications remain areas that require further attention
and improvement. Uganda has also established 30 innovation hubs
and incubation centres throughout the country (Global System for
Mobile Communications Association [GSMA], 2020). These hubs
provide a venue for young entrepreneurs to gain mentorship, training,
networking opportunities, and financial assistance. They foster anenvironment in which young innovators can turn their ideas into
viable businesses; thereby creating job opportunities for themselves
and others.
Furthermore, the Ugandan STI ecosystem recognises the importanceof gender inclusivity and women’s empowerment in driving innovationand economic growth. The Gender in STI Policy Framework of 2021
recognises the distinct challenges that women face in the field of
STI and seeks to address them through a variety of strategies. For
instance, data from the Ministry of Education could show a 20% risein the number of female students pursuing engineering degrees.
Uganda aims to unlock women’s potential in the STI sector to boost
equal opportunities, job creation, and economic development.
For instance, economic data reveals that there has been a 15%
increase in the average income of women working in technologyrelated startups. The convergence of these policies, programmes,
and initiatives within Uganda’s STI ecosystem has resulted inmeasurable outcomes in terms of youth employment and women’s
empowerment. The emphasis on skill development, technologicalinnovation, and entrepreneurship has given young people the tools
and opportunities they need to create their own jobs and contributeto the economy. Uganda has been able to harness the potential of
its youth and women in driving economic growth and sustainable
development by cultivating an innovative culture and providing thenecessary support structures and enabling environment.
6

Fostering the Future and Livelihood of Young People in Uganda Science, Technology, and Innovation

In Uganda, while affirmative action has increased female enrolment
in higher education, participation in STEM programs at 37% is stilllow (NCHE 2019). While Uganda’s representation of women in STEM
courses is relatively low, it still outperforms some neighbouring
countries like Kenya, where the percentage of women in STEM courses
falls between 30% and 35%3 . At Makerere University, the country’s
largest and premier university in Uganda, only 28% of academic andresearch positions are occupied by women, with similar situations
exhibited in all 46 universities (Ibid). With only four female Vice
Chancellors, the gender equity status in Uganda can benefit from thementorship and grooming of female academic leaders (Nakayiwa,
2020). It is therefore imperative that Uganda can further improveyouth employment opportunities and empower women in the fieldof STI by continuing to prioritise STI and implementing supportive
measures, resulting in long-term economic growth and developmentin the country.
4.2 STI Institutional Framework for Youth Employment in Uganda
Several institutions have been established in Uganda to improveyouth employability, entrepreneurship, and job creation. The
Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) have recognized thevast potential of human capital quality that the youth have andhave fronted policies and launched programmes that encourage
the youth to take up innovative ventures and generate employment
opportunities. As a result, they have commissioned policies that
promote youth employment and launched programmes that havehelped operationalize the policies in place. For instance, the Uganda
Women Entrepreneurship Program (UWEP), the Presidential Initiativeon Skilling the Girl Child (PIG), and the Youth Venture Capital Fund(YVCF) have provided entrepreneurs with education and capital tostart businesses while repaying loans regularly. Table 2 highlights key
institutions that support youth skill development and employment.

3

https://theconversation.com/why-fewer-kenyan-women-are-choosing-or-completing-stem-courses-91706

Fostering the Future and Livelihood of Young People in Uganda Science, Technology, and Innovation

7

The Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation (MSTI) and the
Uganda National Council for Science and Technology (UNCST) jointly
contribute significantly to youth employment and job creation throughtheir roles in fostering STI development. MSTI’s formulation of policies,
strategies, and programs aligns STI with national development
priorities, creating an environment conducive to scientific research,technological advancement, and innovation. UNCST, on the other
hand, plays a vital role in facilitating policy implementation andcollaboration among stakeholders. It actively promotes research andinnovation, offers funding mechanisms, and advises on intellectual
property rights and technology transfer. The synergy between MSTI
and UNCST has been instrumental in empowering Uganda to leverage
STI for socio-economic transformation and sustainable job growth.
To tackle the challenge of developing a shared understanding of thesignificance of innovation in STI processes and its entrepreneurial
nature, as well as the need for a robust national innovation system(NIS), it is crucial to link these efforts with youth employment and job
creation. This can be achieved through capacity-building programs,
workshops, and public awareness campaigns highlighting how
innovation contributes to economic growth and job opportunities.
Additionally, the establishment of platforms like national innovation
forums can foster collaboration and dialogue among various
stakeholders, including young people, enabling Uganda to forge
a unified vision for innovation within its STI policy framework,
thereby promoting youth employment and job creation as integral
components of its innovation agenda.
To enhance youth employment and job creation, it is imperative
to actively involve young people and the private sector in theformulation and execution of STI policies. Recognizing the youth
as pivotal drivers of innovation and employment opportunities is
crucial. To achieve this, initiatives like youth innovation challenge
programs, mentorship schemes, and regular consultations should
be introduced to seek their perspectives. Furthermore, the private
8

Fostering the Future and Livelihood of Young People in Uganda Science, Technology, and Innovationsector should not merely serve as financiers but as active partners.
Reports from various youth voices have demonstrated the private
sector’s potential to impact Uganda’s job market significantly whencollaborating with other stakeholders. For instance, the Coca-Cola
Company, in partnership with the government, established the
Coca-Cola Youth Empowerment Programme, offering training, skills
development, and access to finance and markets to empower young
entrepreneurs. Engaging entrepreneurial innovators can provide
valuable insights into emerging trends, market demands, and practicalsolutions. This necessitates the creation of a supportive environmentthat encourages collaboration, offers incentives for private sector
engagement, and ensures that the voices of young people andentrepreneurs are not only heard but also considered in policymaking processes, ultimately contributing to youth employment andjob creation.
Breaking down institutional silos is a vital step in enhancing policy
implementation and, consequently, youth employment and job
creation. The fragmentation and lack of coordination among various
institutions often hinder effective communication and collaboration.
To address this issue, mechanisms should be established to facilitate
interagency collaboration, information sharing, and joint decisionmaking. Inter-ministerial task forces, regular coordination meetings,
and shared platforms and databases can serve as effective means toachieve this. Notably, some organizations are already making strides
in this direction. For instance, the YouthConnekt Uganda program,a partnership between the government of Uganda, the Mastercard
Foundation, and other entities is actively working to break down
silos between different government agencies, private sector firms,
and civil society organizations.
By adopting a similar approach, Uganda can optimize resource
utilization, streamline policy implementation, and enhance theoverall effectiveness of its STI policies, ultimately contributing toyouth employment and job creation.
Fostering the Future and Livelihood of Young People in Uganda Science, Technology, and Innovation

9

Engaging in an inclusive and participatory public dialogue is essential
for aligning STI policies with the needs and aspirations of Uganda’s
population, ultimately contributing to youth employment and job
creation. This dialogue can take various forms, including town hallmeetings, public consultations, and the involvement of civil society
organizations and community leaders. For example, the governmentis leveraging platforms like Twitter (now X) and Facebook todisseminate information about STI policy and gather feedback fromyoung people. The objective is to develop and implement policies
that are inclusive and participatory. By actively involving citizens,
especially those from marginalized communities, and seeking their
input, Uganda can ensure that STI policies effectively address their
specific needs and promote equitable development. Prioritizing
open communication, building trust, and engaging stakeholders
throughout the policy cycle are crucial steps in this process.
To solve the persisting issues in Uganda’s STI policy landscape, itis necessary to promote a common understanding of innovation,
engage young people and the business sector, eliminate institutionalsilos, and engage in a broad public dialogue. By implementing theserecommendations, Uganda may increase the effectiveness of its STI
policies, stimulate innovation, and create an enabling environment
for young employment, entrepreneurship, and sustainable
development.
4.3 Challenges and Opportunities for Youth Employment in Uganda
Youth employment in Uganda faces significant challenges due toslow economic growth and small formal labour markets. In recent
years, the country’s economy has grown at a rate of around 5% peryear on average, but the slow growth has limited the creation of
new job opportunities, resulting in a scarcity of formal employment
options for the youth. This scarcity of openings limits their ability
to secure stable and well-paying jobs, exacerbating the problem
of unemployment. This is exacerbated by the small size of formal
labour markets. With fewer formal job openings, competition among
10 Fostering the Future and Livelihood of Young People in Uganda Science, Technology, and Innovation

young people seeking work heats up, making it even more difficult
for them to find suitable work. Many young people are drawn to theinformal economy due to a lack of opportunities in the formal sector,
which is characterised by low wages, poor working conditions, andlimited social protections. Furthermore, slow economic growth andsmall formal labour markets feed a cycle of poverty and limited social
mobility. Breaking free from this cycle is especially difficult for young
people, especially those with limited education or vocational skills.
Their economic contributions remain untapped, impeding overallnational development and prosperity. To address these challenges,
comprehensive strategies that promote economic growth and job
creation are required. Policies should focus on fostering a businessfriendly environment, encouraging entrepreneurship, and improving
vocational training programmes. Furthermore, investment ininfrastructure, technology, and sectors with high potential for job
creation can help stimulate economic growth and expand formal
labour markets, ultimately providing better opportunities for
Uganda’s youth.
Youth employment and entrepreneurship are critical driversof Uganda’s economic development. However, one significant
challenge that hampers youth in these areas is the lack of financial
literacy. Many young Ugandans lack the necessary knowledge
and skills to manage their finances effectively and make informed
decisions about investments and savings (Mpaata et al., 2021). This
limited financial literacy restricts their ability to access credit, planfor business ventures, or navigate the complexities of the financial
market. Without a solid understanding of financial concepts andpractices, young entrepreneurs often struggle to secure funding fortheir startups or manage their businesses efficiently. This, in turn,
hinders their potential for growth and job creation. Furthermore,
the absence of financial literacy among youth contributes to a highrate of business failure, as they may mismanage their resources,
fail to budget effectively or make poor financial decisions (Akileng
et al., 2018). In some cases, young entrepreneurs may fall victim
Fostering the Future and Livelihood of Young People in Uganda Science, Technology, and Innovation 11

to fraudulent schemes or predatory lending practices due to theirlimited financial knowledge. These setbacks not only deter youth
from venturing into entrepreneurship but also perpetuate a cycle offinancial vulnerability and instability. To address this challenge andharness the potential of youth in job creation and entrepreneurship,
Uganda must prioritize financial literacy education and training
programs. These programs should be integrated into the formal
education system and supplemented by targeted initiatives thatreach out to young people who may not have access to traditional
schooling. Additionally, partnerships between government, financial
institutions, and civil society organizations can play a vital rolein promoting financial literacy among youth. Such efforts should
encompass basic financial principles, budgeting, saving, investment,
and risk management, equipping young Ugandans with the tools
they need to make sound financial decisions and drive economic
growth through entrepreneurship and job creation.
4.4 Best Practices and Impacts for Youth Employment in Uganda
With 85% of the population living in rural areas, agriculture isusually the main economic activity that sustains livelihoods4.
Consequently, Uganda took full advantage of the situation to try andcreate opportunities for the youth. As a result, Uganda developed
the National Strategy for Youth Employment in Agriculture (NSYEA)
has demonstrated success in Uganda by creating over 150,000 jobs,
particularly in agribusiness and value-added agriculture sectors.
This strategy has not only generated employment opportunities foryouth but has also contributed to the growth and transformation of
the agricultural industry especially in the rural areas of the country5.
The strategy recognizes the significant potential of the rural sector
in driving economic growth and reducing unemployment rates
among these demographics. By targeting rural areas specifically,
the strategy aims to address the unique challenges faced by young
people and women in these regions, such as limited access to
4 https://www.asiafarming.com/agriculture-in-uganda-types-importance-crops-and-statistics
5 https://nsyea.trailanalytics.com

12 Fostering the Future and Livelihood of Young People in Uganda Science, Technology, and Innovation

education, skills training, and formal employment opportunities.
One key aspect of the strategy is the promotion of agriculture as a
viable source of employment for youth and women in rural areas.
The government has implemented various initiatives to enhance
agricultural productivity, including providing access to agricultural
inputs, financial services, and modern farming technologies. These
efforts have helped to transform agriculture into a more attractive
and profitable sector, creating employment opportunities andincome generation for young people and women engaged in farming
activities. Furthermore, the strategy recognizes the importance ofentrepreneurship and the need to support youth-led enterprises
in rural areas. The government has established programs toprovide entrepreneurship training, access to credit, and businessdevelopment services to aspiring young entrepreneurs. By fostering a
supportive ecosystem for entrepreneurship, the strategy encourages
the creation of new businesses and self-employment opportunities,
thereby stimulating job creation in rural areas. Another significant
component of the strategy is the emphasis on gender equality
and women’s empowerment. It recognizes the unique challenges
faced by women in accessing employment and entrepreneurship
opportunities in rural areas. Consequently, the strategy includes
specific measures to address gender disparities and promotewomen’s economic participation, such as providing targeted training
programs and financial support to women entrepreneurs.
Kiira Motors, a state corporation has played a significant role increating job opportunities for Ugandan youth and women. It has
not only contributed to economic growth as an innovative andforward-thinking enterprise but has also prioritised inclusivity andempowerment. For starters, it has actively engaged with the youth
by creating job opportunities in a variety of fields. In 2020, Kirra
motors created jobs for 14,000 youths, 2000 on direct employment
and 12,000 were directly employed by the agency6. The company
has advocated for gender equality and women’s empowerment in
6 https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/kiira-motors-to-employ-14-000-workers--1776812

Fostering the Future and Livelihood of Young People in Uganda Science, Technology, and Innovation 13

the traditionally male-dominated automotive industry. Women
have been actively recruited and promoted in a variety of roles atthe company, including engineering, design, administration, andmanagement. It has empowered women to pursue careers in asector where they have historically been underrepresented bybreaking down gender barriers and providing equal opportunities.
It has also contributed to skill development and knowledge transfer
in addition to direct job creation. The company has facilitatedtraining programmes, workshops, and research projects throughcollaborations with universities and research institutions. It hashelped develop a skilled workforce capable of contributing to thegrowth of the automotive sector by actively involving academia. Thisemphasis on skill development has not only created job opportunities
but has also encouraged innovation and technological advancementsin the industry.
The fronting of partnerships in development initiatives allows
for the pooling of resources, expertise, and networks to achieve
greater impact. The example of the Youth Forward Initiative in
Uganda demonstrates the effectiveness of such partnerships.
Supported by the Mastercard Foundation and implemented by aconsortium consisting of Restless Development, GOAL Uganda,
and the International Youth Foundation, the initiative leverages theunique strengths and experiences of each partner. The Mastercard
Foundation brings financial support and a global network, while theimplementing partners contribute their on-the-ground presence,technical knowledge, and understanding of local contexts. This
collaborative approach ensures a holistic and comprehensive
approach to youth empowerment, combining training, mentorship,
and access to financial services. By combining efforts and resources,
these partnerships maximize the reach and effectiveness of theinitiative, fostering sustainable economic growth, poverty reduction,and social inclusion. The success of the Youth Forward Initiative
underscores the value of such partnerships in driving positive change
and creating lasting impact in communities.
14 Fostering the Future and Livelihood of Young People in Uganda Science, Technology, and Innovation

Vocational practice has emerged as a best practice for youth
employment in Uganda. With a high youth unemployment rate ofaround 13.3%, vocational training offers a practical solution to equipyoung people with the necessary skills for employment7. According to
the Uganda Bureau of Statistics, in 2020, only 5.6% of youth aged 1524 were engaged in wage employment. Vocational training programs
provide specialized skills in areas such as agriculture, construction,mechanics, and hospitality, aligning with the needs of the labour
market. An example of a vocational; training programme that has
proved to be impactful is the Skilling Uganda Initiative (SIU) which
has trained over 100,000 young people in a variety of skills, including
tailoring, carpentry, welding, and mechanics. Of these high numberof trained youths, 7 out 10 get employed in agriculture, construction,mechanics, and hospitality sectors within 6 months after completing
training8. Data shows that youth who undergo vocational training
have higher chances of finding employment compared to those
without such training. For instance, a survey conducted by the
Ministry of Gender, Labor, and Social Development revealed
that 67% of Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVETs)
graduates secured employment within a year of completing theirtraining. Additionally, vocational training contributes to economic
growth by fostering entrepreneurship among young people, leading
to job creation and income generation. The government of Uganda,
in partnership with international organizations, has invested in
expanding vocational training centres across the country to address
the youth unemployment challenge. These efforts have shownpromising results, making vocational practice a recognized bestpractice for youth employment in Uganda.

7 https://thepalladiumgroup.com/news/Youth-Unemployment-in-Uganda-Has-Been-Misdiagnosed8 https://open.enabel.be/en/UGA/2142/1294/u/the-support-to-skilling-uganda-initiative.html

Fostering the Future and Livelihood of Young People in Uganda Science, Technology, and Innovation 15

16 Fostering the Future and Livelihood of Young People in Uganda Science, Technology, and Innovation

National STI
Policy of 2009

- Government
agencies
working with employers
from the private sector to
identify the skills neededin the job market and alignthe education system could
enhance the chances ofachieving this vision.

- Createsaconducive - There has been an increase in theenvironment for job creationbudget allocation for education
for youths
and skills development programs.
- Promotes entrepreneurship
For example, in the 2021/2022
and provides access tofinancial year, the budget was
financeandbusinessincreased by 5.5% compared to thedevelopment services.
financial year 2020/2021 to fund
- Createsasupportive
projects and programmes aimed atregulatory environment forsmall and medium-sizedachieving Vision 2040.
enterprises.
- Increases awareness of - Created new opportunities for skills
development and employment for
the importance of STEM
the youth through the establishment
education and training andof Science and Technology Parks,
led to some improvements
which have served as incubators
in its quality.
for start-ups and technology-based
businesses.

Vision 2040

- The government and theprivate sector should increase
funding for STI research anddevelopment by enhancing
partnerships between themand development partners.
- Industry
stakeholders
should be involved in thedesign of training programs
and regularly participate
in updating the curricula
to keep up with changing
trends.

Remarks

Roles in skills development Impact on skills development andand youth employment
youth employment

STI Policies andProgrammes

Table 1: A summary of key STI Policies and programmes, their roles and impacts on skills development and youth employment in Uganda

Fostering the Future and Livelihood of Young People in Uganda Science, Technology, and Innovation 17- Provides
girls
with
opportunities to acquire
skills in areas such as ICT,
entrepreneurship,andvocational training which
help to address the skills
gap in the country.

- Programme managers should
create more awareness andconduct training to ensure
beneficiaries
arewellappraised with the relevantbusinessdocumentationneeded to access the funds.
- The programme should
consider automating theaward-granting systems tohelp solve the politicizationof the program.

- Over 12,651 girls have benefitted - The programme should provide
more support for girls in ruralfrom the vocational skills provided
areas, and work to addressfor by the programme.
cultural and societal barriers
that may prevent girls fromparticipating in vocational andtechnical education.
- The programme can also leverage
private sector partnerships toprovide more job opportunities
for girls and women who haveacquired new skills through theinitiative.

Uganda Women - Provides training and - Over 166,295 women have
Entrepreneurship mentorship to women
benefitted from the funds which
Program (UWEP)
many women may not have had
entrepreneurs,
helping
access to traditional sources ofthem to develop theirfinance.
businessskillsand- Promoted gender equality andknowledge.
social inclusion by providing- Provides financial support
support to women entrepreneurs,
to women entrepreneurs,
therefore challenging traditional
enabling them to start orgender roles and stereotypes.
expand their businesses.

Presidential
Initiative on
Skilling the Girlchild (PIG)

18 Fostering the Future and Livelihood of Young People in Uganda Science, Technology, and Innovation

Buy Uganda
Build Uganda(BUBU)- Promotes
thedevelopment of new
industries
andthegrowth of existing ones.
This has created new job
opportunities for young
people, especially inthe manufacturing andagricultural sectors.
- Increases demand forskilled labour, which
has led to increased
investments in vocational
training programs.

- Increased demand for locally - Decentralize
BUBU
produced goods and services leading
department
acrossallto the growth of local industries,
ministries to spur innovation
particularly in sectors such as
and consumption of local
agriculture, manufacturing, andproducts from all sectors ofconstruction for instance number
the economy.
of SMEs in Uganda increased from
530,000 in 2013 to over 1.2 million
in 2019.

Fostering the Future and Livelihood of Young People in Uganda Science, Technology, and Innovation 19- Provided youths with access to loans, grants, and skills
training to start or expand their businesses throughinitiatives such as the Youth Livelihood Program (YLP).
For instance, by 2017, YLP had disbursed US$17.38
million.
- Works with employers and trade unions to promote
decent work opportunities for young people, such as
by improving working conditions and enforcing labourlaws.
- Works with educational institutions, industry, andother stakeholders to promote STEM education and toensure that young people have the skills and knowledge
needed to succeed in STEM-related fields.
- Through initiatives such as the Presidential Initiative on
Science and Technology Innovation Fund, it has- Responsiblefordeveloping
andimplementing policies and programs aimed
at promoting gender equality, creating
decent work opportunities, and reducing
poverty and vulnerability.

Ministry of
Gender, Labour
and Social
Development

Uganda National- Promotes the development and application
Council for Scienceof science and technology in Uganda, withand Technology
the goal of promoting sustainable economic
growth and social development.

- In 2018 and 2020, over 500,000 youths were trained invarious technical and vocational skills in TVETs.
- Collaborated with other government agencies, private
sector organizations, and development partners tocreate job opportunities for young people. This has
been achieved through initiatives such as skilling.

- Create policies and programs that facilitate
the development of an education systemthat produces competent, skilled, andknowledgeable graduates who can succeedin the global job market.

Ministry of
Education andSportsTable 2: Summary of key institutions, their roles and impact on youth employment in Kenya
Impacts on skills development and youth employment
STI Institutions STI Institutions Roles in skills development
and youth employment
Government: Ministries, Agencies and Departments (MDAs)

20 Fostering the Future and Livelihood of Young People in Uganda Science, Technology, and Innovation- Promotes youth skills development andemployment by providing a platform foryoung people to develop their skills, networkwith industry experts and investors, andaccess resources and support to grow theirbusinesses.

- Promotes growth and development of the
manufacturing sector in Uganda, which isa key driver of economic growth and job
creation.

- Works with educational institutions, industry, andother stakeholders to promote vocational and technicaleducation and to ensure that young people have the skills
and knowledge needed to succeed in the manufacturingsector.
- Promoted investment in the manufacturing sector
and created a conducive business environment for
manufacturers.

- Has provided training and mentorship to thousands ofyoung entrepreneurs in the technology and innovation
space.
- Has provided a platform for young entrepreneurs to
network with industry experts, investors, and otherstakeholders with the aim of creating new businessventures and employment opportunities.
Civil Society Organizations (CSO’s)/ Non-Governmental Organisation (NGOs)
American- Provides a platform for young entrepreneurs - Advocated for business-friendly policies and regulations
Chamber ofand professionals to network with industry
that have led to job creation and economic growth.
Commerce inexperts, investors, and other stakeholders.
Uganda (ACCU)

Innovation
Village

UgandaManufacturers
Association(UMA)

Private Sector

provided funding and support to young innovatorsand entrepreneurs. For instance, the fund supported
Makerere’s University Faculty of Technology to the tune of
UGX25 Billion, to continue working on the electric vehicle
project.

Fostering the Future and Livelihood of Young People in Uganda Science, Technology, and Innovation 21

Japan
International
Cooperation
Agency (JICA)- Supports the development of vocational
and technical education.

Development Partners- Provided funding and technical assistance for theconstruction of vocational training centres andthe development of training programs aimed at
equipping young people with the skills needed tosucceed in the job market.
- Has provided funding and technical assistance toSMEs, which can lead to the creation of new jobs
and employment opportunities for young people.

5. Conclusion
Uganda has made commendable efforts in establishing policies
and institutions aimed at fostering innovation and addressing
youth unemployment. These initiatives have yielded some positive
outcomes, yet there remains room for improvement. To better
address the youth unemployment challenge, it is essential toenhance the translation of these policies into tangible employment
opportunities. This can be achieved through increased collaboration
between government bodies, the private sector, and civilsociety, along with a heightened focus on vocational training andtailored support for youth-led entrepreneurship. By refining andimplementing these policy recommendations, Uganda can further
enhance its commitment to youth employment and entrepreneurial
development.

22 Fostering the Future and Livelihood of Young People in Uganda Science, Technology, and Innovation

6. Policy Recommendations
To enhance youth employment and foster the future and livelihoodof young people in Uganda, the following policy recommendations
are proffered.
Recommendation 1: Strengthen collaboration between industry
actors and TVETs to improve skills development and address skills
mismatch: To strengthen collaboration between industry actors and
TVET institutions for improved skills development and addressing skills
mismatch, both the Ministry of Education and Sports (MES) and theindustry actors need to play vital roles. The industry actors have theresponsibility of identifying the industry’s skills needs and ensuring
vocational training institutes’ curricula are aligned accordingly.
Their input on curriculum development guarantees relevanceand up-to-date training. Moreover, the private sector contributes
to implementation by offering internships, apprenticeships, andpractical opportunities for students. On the other hand, the MES
plays a crucial role in setting standards for vocational training
institutes, ensuring consistent quality across all institutions. They
provide essential funding to these institutes, ensuring the availabilityof necessary resources. Additionally, the Ministry monitors andevaluates curriculum implementation to ensure its effectiveness andresponsiveness to students’ and employers’ needs. By synergizing
the efforts of both actors, collaboration can drive impactful skills
development and bridge the skills gap in the workforce.
Recommendation 2: Support financial literacy training among
youth by providing supplemental training and mentoring services:
Initiating financial literacy programs in elementary schools andyouth groups should be considered by the government and otherkey stakeholders especially those who offer financial services in theprivate sector. Key government institutions such as the MES canensure students benefit from financial literacy courses at all levels of
Fostering the Future and Livelihood of Young People in Uganda Science, Technology, and Innovation 23

education, from elementary to tertiary by enforcing this through thecurriculum. Additional assistance can be provided by the actors fromthe financial services to youth groups who apply for loans to ensurethat the funds are not misappropriated. This will greatly help theyouth develop their financial literacy, even in programs like the Youth
Venture Capital Fund, where some youth have slowed the revolving
fund model by delaying loan payments; making it difficult for others
to access the loan to help their businesses.
Recommendation 3: Both the government and private sector
stakeholders need to promote entrepreneurship and innovation
among young people: Both government and private actors must
do their part to promote entrepreneurship and innovation among
young people. Uganda’s government must create a more favourable
policy environment for the STI sector. This includes tax breaks forbusinesses that invest in R&D as well as simplifying the regulatoryenvironment for STI businesses. The private sector, on the other
hand, should assist the government by investing in R&D activities
in the country. Increased R&D investments aid in the creation of
new jobs in both the formal and informal sectors. It can also help
Uganda address its most pressing issues, such as poverty, disease,and environmental degradation.
Recommendation 4: Development partners can provide more
scholarships and financial aid for youthful students studying STEM
courses: Increasing access to scholarships and financial aid for STEM
students is a critical step towards improving youth employability,
entrepreneurship, and job creation. Students’ ability to enrol in
quality STEM programmes is frequently hindered by limited financial
resources, thereby limiting their potential to acquire the necessary
skills and knowledge for employment in technology-driven industries.
Furthermore, STEM education scholarships and financial aid will
help to close the gender gap in STEM fields. Due to socioeconomic
barriers, women are frequently underrepresented in science and
24 Fostering the Future and Livelihood of Young People in Uganda Science, Technology, and Innovation

technology-related disciplines. Development partners can encourage
and empower more young women to pursue STEM education byearmarking scholarships specifically for female students, resulting
in a more inclusive and diverse talent pool in Uganda. This can beachieved through partnerships with African organizations which
work directly with multiple stakeholders including universities,
private sector actors, civil society, and policymakers among others.

Fostering the Future and Livelihood of Young People in Uganda Science, Technology, and Innovation 25

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National Council for Higher Education [NCHE] (2013). The State ofHigher Education 2011. Kampala, National Council for Higher
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NCHE (2019). State of Higher Education and Training in Uganda
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ATPS TechnoPolicy Briefs Series• What is the place of Science, Technology, and Innovation in Youth
Employment in Senegal? (ATPS Technopolicy Brief No. 68)• Understanding Rwanda’s Science, Technology, and Innovation
Landscape in Youth Employment Creation (ATPS Technopolicy
Brief No. 67)• Leveraging Science, Technology, and Innovation for Enhanced
Youth Employment in Nigeria (ATPS TechnoPolicy Brief No. 66)• Unlocking the Potential of Education and Skills for Supporting
Youth Employment in Kenya (ATPS TechnoPolicy Brief No. 65)• Harnessing Science and Technological Innovation for Youth
Employment and Skill Acquisition in Ghana (ATPS TechnoPolicy
Brief No. 64)• Is Ethiopia’s Science, Technology, and Innovation Policy Landscape
Effectively Creating Jobs and Fostering Skills for the Youth? (ATPSTechnoPolicy Brief No. 63)• University-Led Ecosystems for Sustained Innovation and
Entrepreneurship Development in Kenya (ATPS TechnoPolicy Brief
No. 62)• Eco-innovation Policies for Sustainable Development in Africa(ATPS TechnoPolicy Brief No. 61)• Institutional Landscape for Eco-innovation Development in Africa(ATPS TechnoPolicy Brief No. 60)• Policy and Institutional Framework for Ecological Organic
Agriculture in Benin (ATPS TechnoPolicy Brief No. 59)• Institutional Framework for Ecological Organic Agriculture in Kenya(ATPS TechnoPolicy Brief No. 58)• Policy and Institutional Framework for Ecological Organic
Agriculture in Senegal (ATPS TechnoPolicy Brief No. 57)• Advancing Ecological Organic Agriculture in Nigeria (ATPSTechnoPolicy Brief No. 56)• Policy and Institutional Framework for Ecological Organic
Agriculture in Rwanda (ATPS TechnoPolicy Brief No. 55)
28 Fostering the Future and Livelihood of Young People in Uganda Science, Technology, and Innovation

• Bridging Climate Information Gaps to Strengthen Capacities for
Climate Informed Decision (ATPS TechnoPolicy Brief No. 54)• Embracing Open Contracting in Africa (ATPS TechnoPolicy Brief No.
53)• The Digital Revolution, Open Science, and Innovation for OpenScience Development in Sub-Saharan Africa (ATPS TechnoPolicy
Brief No. 52)• Nouvelles approaches de fi nancement de la recherché et deL’innovation en Afrique (ATPS TechnoPolicy Brief No. 51)• New Approaches for Funding Research and Innovation in Africa(ATPS TechnoPolicy Brief No. 50)• Towards Effective Public-Private Partnerships in Research andInnovation: A Perspective for African Science Granting Councils(ATPS TechnoPolicy Brief No. 49)• Innovative Practices and Policies for Promoting Biodiversity
Informatics in Sub-Saharan Africa (ATPS TechnoPolicy Brief No. 48)

Fostering the Future and Livelihood of Young People in Uganda Science, Technology, and Innovation 29

30 Fostering the Future and Livelihood of Young People in Uganda Science, Technology, and Innovation

Fostering the Future and Livelihood of Young People in Uganda Science, Technology, and Innovation 31

32 Fostering the Future and Livelihood of Young People in Uganda Science, Technology, and Innovation

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