By Aggrey Baba
Speaking shortly after his nomination for the 2026 presidential elections, president Museveni called on Ugandan youth to reconsider seeking employment abroad, particularly in the Middle East, emphasizing that Uganda offers more opportunities for growth and prosperity than destinations like Dubai.
Museveni warned that many Ugandans who leave for foreign jobs often face exploitation and abuse. He urged the youth to focus on local opportunities, especially in sectors like commercial agriculture, manufacturing, ICT, and services, which he believes can transform lives and reduce poverty.
Uganda faces a significant youth unemployment challenge, with over half of the population under 30. According to the 2024 Census, the unemployment rate among those aged 18 to 30 is 16.1%, translating to over 10 million young people affected. Many of these young men and women turn to overseas employment as a solution, but reports indicate that numerous Ugandans, particularly young women, face exploitation and abuse in the Middle East.
Some are trafficked under false promises of well-paying jobs, only to have their passports confiscated and be forced into degrading work, like prostitution, among others. In some tragic cases, individuals have died by suicide or been killed in abusive circumstances.
The president, and now fully nominated presidential candidate cautioned that the allure of money abroad often masks hidden dangers. He emphasized that Uganda’s potential for employment is greater than that of countries like Dubai, urging the youth to invest their energy and talents at home, in Uganda.
Despite his call, many believe that without significant reforms to address the country’s unemployment crisis and create decent jobs, many youth will remain vulnerable to risky migration in search of survival. The challenge lies in transforming Uganda’s economic landscape to provide opportunities that can retain its youthful population and harness their potential for national development.
As the country gears for the 2026 elections, all eyes will be on how the next president (whomever wins) will handle the unemployment crisis, for the safety of the young girls and boys who risk their lives, working abroad, simply to earn a living. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
