The Paradox of ICT Graduate Unemployment in Uganda

In Uganda, the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector is often touted as a powerhouse for economic growth, with the potential to revolutionize industries and create job opportunities. Yet, a puzzling paradox exists: despite the growing demand for ICT solutions, a significant number of ICT graduates are unemployed or underemployed. This is not a unique challenge to Uganda but mirrors trends across the globe, including in countries like South Africa, where similar issues persist. As the digital economy expands, the question arises: why are highly educated ICT graduates struggling to find work? Does the answer lies in a mismatch between what universities teach and what industries need or its something else.

Graduate unemployment remains a significant issue in Uganda, particularly within the ICT and business sectors. While Uganda’s youth unemployment rate for individuals aged 15-24 was reported at 4.5% in 2023, a slight improvement from 4.6% in 2022, the unemployment rate for university graduates stood at a much higher 15.2%. This discrepancy highlights a critical issue—although youth unemployment overall is relatively low, university graduates, especially in fields like ICT and business, face considerable difficulty securing jobs. This signals a growing gap between the academic preparation provided by universities and the practical skills demanded by today’s labor market.

In response to this challenge, the Ugandan government has taken proactive steps to address graduate unemployment. In the 2023/2024 financial year, the Makerere Research Innovation Fund (MakRIF) was allocated a Shs139 million grant to launch a groundbreaking initiative designed to bridge the gap between university training and industry demands. The project, titled Tackling Youth Unemployment: Aligning University Training to Industry Skills Demand through University-Industry Collaboration, seeks to strengthen collaboration between academic institutions and industry stakeholders. This initiative, spearheaded by Makerere University, Makerere University Business School (MUBS), and several other key players, aims to equip graduates with the skills and experiences needed to thrive in the workforce.

Key members of the project include Associate Professor Dr. Annabella Habinka (Principal Investigator), Ms. Barbara Kayondo (Co-Principal Investigator), and experts from the National Planning Authority (NPA), the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE), and the National Curriculum Development Centre (NCDC), among others.

Several key factors contribute to the high unemployment rates among ICT graduates in Uganda:

1. Skills Mismatch
   Many employers report that graduates, despite their academic credentials, lack the practical skills necessary for immediate workplace productivity. Universities often emphasize theoretical knowledge, but fail to offer adequate hands-on experience or training in industry-specific tools and technologies, leaving graduates ill-prepared for real-world challenges.

2. Lack of Work Experience
   A significant number of employers prioritize candidates with practical work experience, even for entry-level positions. Graduates who have not participated in  other work-integrated learning opportunities during their studies find themselves at a disadvantage when entering the job market.

3. Outdated Curricula
   The rapid pace of technological change requires universities to keep their curricula up to date with current industry trends. Unfortunately, many ICT programs in Uganda have struggled to evolve, resulting in graduates with skills that are no longer aligned with the latest industry requirements.

4. Unrealistic Expectations
   Some graduates enter the job market with high expectations, aiming for prestigious, well-paying roles that match their qualifications. However, the reality often involves starting in less glamorous positions to gain experience, leading to frustration and disillusionment.

5. Economic Constraints
   Uganda’s broader economic conditions also contribute to the unemployment problem. With limited job creation and an oversaturated labor market, many graduates find themselves competing for a small pool of available positions, regardless of their qualifications.

6. Gamba no'gu
   Some workplace prefer recommendations from relatives and therby leaving the skilled workers for on job training of family and friends

A study conducted in South Africa offers valuable insights into how university-industry collaboration can help address the unemployment issue. The study emphasized the importance of work-integrated learning (WIL), where academic education is complemented by practical experience through internships or cooperative education programs. WIL programs provide students with the hands-on experience that makes them more attractive to employers, improving their chances of securing employment post-graduation.

The government-funded project offers several key recommendations to address graduate unemployment in Uganda:

1. Curriculum Reform
   Universities must collaborate with industry experts to design curricula that reflect the changing demands of the job market. By incorporating emerging technologies and practical components, academic programs can better prepare students for the workforce. We await what Ugandan universities hold for new curriculum students

2. Strengthening Work-Integrated Learning
   Establishing partnerships between universities and companies to provide internships, apprenticeships, and mentorship programs is essential. These programs offer students valuable work experience and help bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world application.

3. Focus on Soft Skills
   Beyond technical skills, employers also value soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Integrating these skills into academic programs will help graduates become more well-rounded professionals, increasing their employability.

4. Robust Career Services
   Universities should offer comprehensive career services, including job placement assistance, resume-building workshops, and interview coaching. By helping students navigate the job market, universities can improve the chances of securing meaningful employment for their graduates.

5. Promoting Entrepreneurship
   Encouraging graduates to use their ICT skills to start their own businesses is another key strategy. Providing support in the form of funding, mentorship, and business training can help graduates create job opportunities for themselves and others.

Dr. Annabella Habinka, the principal investigator of the study, emphasized that a fundamental shift is needed in the way universities engage with industry. While universities have traditionally sought partnerships with industry, the new approach proposes that industries take the lead in shaping university curricula to meet their specific needs. By working together, universities and industries can ensure that graduates possess the skills required to succeed in the modern workforce.