The Impact of the Skilling Uganda Programme on Youth Employment Outcomes in Eastern Uganda

Abstract

Youth unemployment remains one of Uganda’s most persistent developmental challenges, undermining the nation’s socioeconomic transformation and stability. This paper examines the impact of the Skilling Uganda Programme, an initiative under the Business, Technical, and Vocational Education and Training (BTVET) Strategic Plan (2011–2020), on youth employment outcomes in Eastern Uganda. Guided by Human Capital Theory and General Systems Theory, the study sought to establish the employment status and employability of programme graduates, identify challenges they face in the labour market, and explore institutional factors affecting programme sustainability. The research was conducted in Eastern Uganda. A mixed-methods approach was employed, drawing on survey data from 208 respondents selected from three Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions—Buteleja VTI, Kaliro VTI, and Uganda Technical College (UTC) Elgon. Two primary instruments were employed, including questionnaires for graduates and interview guides for administrators. Quantitative data were analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22. Descriptive statistics such as frequencies, percentages, and means were used. Qualitative data from interviews were analysed using thematic analysis. Findings revealed that while the programme improved access to employment opportunities, 14.4% of graduates remained unemployed and many others faced underemployment, earning below subsistence levels. Persistent gaps in digital literacy (51.4%) and leadership skills (64.0%) were evident, attributed more to personal initiative than institutional training. Institutional weaknesses, such as limited funding, weak industry linkages, and inadequate technological infrastructure, hindered long-term effectiveness. The study concludes that the Skilling Uganda Programme enhanced access to employment but fell short of fostering sustainable, high-quality jobs. Strengthening industry partnerships, integrating employability skills, and expanding technological training are recommended to enhance the employability and resilience of Ugandan youth.