KAMPALA, Uganda — BrighterMonday Uganda, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, hosted a career empowerment event Tuesday urging young Ugandans to “Take Control: Own Your Career Path.”
The half-day clinic at Motiv in Kampala brought together over 60 participants, including job seekers, private sector leaders, and policymakers, to address Uganda’s youth unemployment crisis.
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The event emphasized equipping young people to shape their own futures rather than waiting for opportunities. It featured an interactive panel discussion, breakout sessions, and demonstrations of BrighterMonday’s new AI-powered career tools.
“We are standing before a tremendous opportunity,” said Hilda Kabushenga, CEO of TATC, in her keynote address. “With over 70% of our population under the age of 30, Uganda is rich in potential. Yet, youth unemployment remains one of the most pressing challenges of our time.”
Kabushenga stressed the need for strong partnerships to close the gap between young people’s readiness to work and the lack of opportunities or skill gaps.
The central panel, “Skills for Today: Empowering Uganda’s Youth to Take Control of Their Future,” included leaders from innovation, human capital, MSMEs, and youth employment sectors. Discussions focused on bridging the education-to-work gap, the role of technology, and the need for mindset shifts among both youth and employers.
Pamela Kabahesi, BrighterMonday Uganda’s Country Programme Lead, highlighted the importance of digital readiness.
“Our partnership with the Mastercard Foundation is dedicated to equipping young people with the employability skills needed to thrive in a constantly evolving job market,” Kabahesi stated. “We are deeply passionate about inclusion, ensuring every young person has access to dignified work that matches their talents and aspirations.”
An employer masterclass explored the future of hiring in a digital-first era, focusing on inclusive, skills-based approaches. Meanwhile, youth breakout sessions covered topics such as building an online presence, preparing for remote work, and future-proofing careers. Attendees also interacted with experiential booths showcasing BrighterMonday’s new AI career assistant for personalized job search guidance.
The event is part of a larger #TakeControl campaign, which aims to provide over 10,000 young Ugandans with the necessary tools, knowledge, and access to succeed in a rapidly changing job market.
“We can’t keep preparing young people for work without preparing the workplaces that are meant to receive them,” Rita Ngenzi, Executive Director at Motiv, said at the event.
Douglas Lwanga, a media personality, also shared his journey, advising attendees, “Your journey might not be perfect, but with passion & consistency, anything is possible.”
With Ugandans under 30 making up more than 70% of the population, events like this underscore a shared responsibility to invest in the future of work. The prevailing message for attendees was clear: the future belongs to those ready to take control.
