Kampala, Uganda | THE BLACK EXAMINER | Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, the Minister for ICT and National Guidance, has urged higher education institutions to align with the national plan, emphasizing the importance of producing job-ready graduates to combat high unemployment rates.
Speaking at the 6th graduation ceremony of the Universal Institute of Graphics and Technology in Kampala, Baryomunsi criticized both public and private higher education institutions for graduating students who are ill-prepared for the job market, incurring additional costs for the government to retrain them.
To address youth unemployment, the government is focusing on vocational and skills training for graduates. A recent report from the National Planning Authority revealed that 4.2 million Ugandan youths, representing 41% of the younger population, are “Neither in Employment, Education, nor Training” (NEET).
Baryomunsi also advised graduates to exhibit qualities like hard work, honesty, patience, and fairness as they enter the job market.
Eng. Julius Jackson Ssonko, the Principal, encouraged graduates to maintain discipline and strive for excellence in their post-graduation endeavors.
The ceremony saw 67 students awarded certificates in various academic disciplines, including diplomas and certificates in Information Technology, multimedia, fashion and design, and phone repair.
