Nabbanja Calls for Competence-Based Courses to Address Youth Unemployment

Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja has urged young Ugandans to pursue competence-based degree programs, emphasizing that such courses offer practical skills essential for reducing unemployment and contributing to economic growth. Nabbanja, an alumna of Makerere University Business School (MUBS), made the remarks on during her visit to the institution, where she addressed students in the Faculty of Tourism, Hospitality, and Languages.

“Competence-based programs create a flexible learning environment. They focus on mastering specific skills and knowledge, allowing experienced adult learners to accelerate through familiar materials,” Nabbanja said.

She encouraged students to prioritize eco-tourism and community-based tourism, areas she highlighted as essential for both environmental conservation and economic empowerment. “Engaging local communities in tourism efforts not only protects our environment but also creates economic opportunities,” Nabbanja said, noting that the tourism sector has become central to Uganda’s economic plans.

The government, according to Nabbanja, is counting on the next generation to improve tourism skills, crucial for achieving its target to grow the economy tenfold to $500 billion by 2040. To support these goals, Uganda’s Tourism Development Program aims to boost foreign exchange earnings from tourism to $50 billion in the same period.

Minister of State for Tourism, Martin Mugarra Bahinduka, underscored the sector's employment potential, saying, “The government will continue supporting tourism and hospitality to benefit the country.”

Minister of State for Youth, Balamu Barugahara, advised students on the broad business prospects in hospitality. “Many billionaires globally have built wealth from hotels and hospitality,” Barugahara remarked, encouraging students to view their degrees as steps toward starting their own businesses.

The event, themed “Reflecting on the Role of Competence-Based Degree Programs in Economic and Social Transformation,” brought together students, faculty, and government officials, highlighting the government’s push for practical education aligned with Uganda’s economic vision.