Economic Challenges and Unemployment Strain Uganda

In a recent report by BBC News, Uganda’s longstanding President, Yoweri Museveni, who has been in power since 1986, is under scrutiny for his enduring grip on authority. The report suggests that Museveni’s longevity in office is sustained through a combination of fostering a personality cult, deploying patronage, compromising independent institutions, and marginalizing political opponents.

Despite his extensive tenure, Uganda continues to grapple with a myriad of economic and social challenges. High youth unemployment, escalating poverty levels, widespread corruption, and inadequate service delivery are among the pressing issues that persist in the nation.

A recent survey conducted in Uganda reveals a concerning increase in unemployment, rising from nine percent in the 2019/2020 Uganda National Household Survey to the current 12 percent. This data underscores the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to address the country’s economic woes.

The survey also sheds light on the stark reality that 15% of Uganda’s youth are unemployed, while over 21% of the population lives below the poverty line. Shockingly, the report suggests that aligning with the right political party can serve as a lifeline for entire villages, potentially saving them from destitution.