In January, Makerere University released 13,000 graduates into the labour market. Since then, more universities and training institutions have released more young people into the market that cannot absorb all of them. The transition from academia to employment is fraught with challenges. The Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) reported an overall unemployment rate of 12.6% in 2024, with youth unemployment rates particularly concerning, at 16.7%. Graduate unemployment looms large, with UBOS estimating the rate at 15.2%, though some unofficial sources suggest it could reach as high as 80%, highlighting the complexity of the issue.
Statistics also reveal that only 37.9% of the working-age population is employed, and 42.6% of youth aged 15-24 are not in employment, education, or training (NEET). Given these statistics, graduates should anticipate a highly competitive job market with limited opportunities, underscoring the importance of proactive measures. Every year, a significant number of graduates enter the workforce, but the formal economy generates only a limited number of new jobs annually. The highest percentage of the working population (61%) is engaged in agriculture, forestry, and fishing industries, according to the 2021 National Labour Force Survey. Meanwhile, sectors like manufacturing, contributing 27% of GDP, report significant skills deficits.
In this constrained environment and competitive job market, volunteering emerges as a powerful tool for graduates to enhance their employability. While specific statistics on the impact of volunteering on graduate employment in Uganda are limited, the Uganda Graduate Volunteer Scheme (UGVS) provides relevant insights.
Reports from host institutions indicate that many of the 97 volunteers in the initial cohort are performing exceptionally well, with several likely to be retained and offered jobs after their 12-month placement.
The benefits of volunteering extend beyond skills acquisition. Networking through volunteering creates critical professional connections in a market where personal links are invaluable. Employers view volunteer experience as evidence of initiative, resilience, and social responsibility; traits that can set candidates apart in a competitive marketplace. By participating in structured volunteer programs, graduates not only contribute to societal development but also position themselves more favorably for employment opportunities, effectively bridging the gap between academia and the professional world.
However, while volunteering holds significant potential for enhancing graduates’ employability, its full benefits are often hindered by accessibility challenges. Therefore, to maximize the impact of graduate volunteering, incentivizing organizations to host volunteers is a critical step. Offering tax benefits or public recognition could encourage companies to create meaningful volunteer opportunities, thereby increasing participation. Awareness campaigns are equally important. With 85% of graduates uninformed about volunteering opportunities, targeted outreach through social media reaching 48% of Uganda’s youth can ensure broader participation. In addition, structured programs, co-created by the government and private sector, can provide graduates with clear learning objectives and defined pathways to employment.
Educational institutions also have a pivotal role to play in embedding volunteerism into curricula. Mandatory community service programs, as practiced in other countries, have proven effective in preparing students for the labour market while fostering a culture of service. Introducing similar models in Uganda would align educational outcomes with market demands and instill a sense of civic responsibility among graduates. But also, to ensure the success of these initiatives, robust monitoring and evaluation systems are essential in ensuring that participants gain genuine learning experiences while being protected from exploitation.
In conclusion, as Uganda grapples with graduate unemployment and labour market mismatches, leveraging graduate volunteering offers a promising pathway to address these challenges. By gaining practical skills, expanding professional networks, and demonstrating a commitment to societal development, Makerere’s graduates can significantly improve their employment prospects. However, sustained impact requires coordinated efforts among policymakers, educational institutions, and the private sector to create an enabling environment.