The greatest power you possess in life is understanding that life gives you a fresh start at any moment you choose. The youth should take a step forward by transitioning from subsistence to urban, industrial, and service-based economies. Currently, the youth account for 78% of the total population in Uganda, yet they represent the majority of the unemployed, with the unemployment rate at about 70%. This statistic highlights that a significant number of youths are unproductive.
Unfortunately, some of these young people seem uninterested in engaging in productive and important income-generating activities, spending their time instead on dubious activities such as betting, theft, prostitution, and attending discos. These behaviors are often ignored or normalized by the public.
This situation not only hampers the economic progress of the youths but also impedes the overall socio-economic transformation of the country, given that the youth constitute the majority of the population. It is shocking to see how many youths do not believe in their ability to learn, and how many find learning difficult. These challenges underscore the need for youths to embrace learning, acquire basic vocational skills, and put them into practice to foster development.
It is crucial for individuals to develop talents that can be monetized. Opportunities still exist in areas such as entertainment, craft, and athletics. Additionally, youths need to overcome habits of laziness, sluggishness, idleness, and disdain for work. When starting a business, young entrepreneurs often lack patience in managing their investments. They must understand that it takes time for a business to grow. Investments may start yielding returns after months or even years.
The tendency among youths to prefer theoretical tasks over vocational skills is detrimental to our future prospects. As a country, we still have numerous opportunities in vocational activities. Youths equipped with vocational skills can pursue careers in tailoring, carpentry and joinery, welding, and other trades that provide clear financial benefits.
In this era of information technology, where the internet creates a global village, youths should use the internet to promote their organizations and market their businesses, rather than abusing it. Additionally, young people should take advantage of government programs such as Youth Livelihood Programs, Emooga, the Parish Development Model, and Uganda Women Entrepreneurship Programs.
The writer, Akello Betty, is the Assistant Resident City Commissioner (RCC) for Lira City, East Division.
Tel: 0780865841
Email: bettyakello689@gmail.com
