“Ageism in Uganda: How an Aging Regime is Silencing a Generation of Educated, Jobless Youth

In a country where 78% of the population is under 30, the Ugandan government has proposed a blatant exclusion of young professionals from District and City Service Commissions—not based on merit, but on age. The justification? “Youth-led corruption.”

But let’s call this what it is: a desperate power grab by an aging elite clinging to control in a nation they’ve mismanaged for nearly 40 years.

The Hypocrisy of “Youth Corruption”

The government’s claim that young professionals are the primary drivers of corruption is not just false—it’s insulting.

Fact: Uganda ranks 142/180 on Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index (2023).

Fact: The biggest corruption scandals in Uganda—from the iron sheets scandal to the COVID-19 funds heist—were orchestrated by senior officials, not fresh graduates.

> “This isn’t about fighting corruption—it’s about fighting competition. The old guard fears the energy, innovation, and demand for accountability that young professionals bring.”
— David Lewis Rubongoya, Secretary-General, National Unity Platform

A System Built on Nepotism, Not Merit

For decades, public service appointments have been tribal, linguistic, and loyalty-based. Fluency in certain languages or connections to the ruling class often trumps competence.

> “We have recycled the same surnames, the same tribes, and the same faces in leadership since the 1980s. Meanwhile, qualified young Ugandans—regardless of tribe—are locked out unless they ‘know someone.’ This proposal is just another layer of exclusion.”
— Ronald Kasirye, Veteran Ugandan Journalist & Former Vision Group Producer

The Real Agenda: Keeping Youth Powerless

Uganda’s youth are not just the majority—they are the most educated, tech-savvy, and politically aware generation in the nation’s history.

Unemployment for youth (18–30) stands at 64% (UBOS, 2023).

Thousands of graduates compete for a handful of jobs, only to be told they’re “too young” or “inexperienced” for public service roles.

Yet, the same system that denies them opportunities expects them to remain silent voters during elections.

Call to Action: It’s Time to Fight Back

The youth are not the problem—they are the solution. Here’s how we resist:

Demand Transparency – Public service appointments must be merit-based, not age-restricted.
Expose Nepotism – Share stories of qualified youth denied jobs while connected individuals walk in.
Pressure Leaders – Tag, tweet, and challenge @Parliament_Ug, @MinLocalGovUg, @KagutaMuseveni.
Mobilize & Organize – This is not just about jobs—it’s about the future of Uganda.

Amplify the Message

#YouthLockedOut #AgeismIsCorruption #UgandaYouthRise #MeritNotTribe #PublicServiceForAll #EndGerontocracy #WeAreTheMajority

Tag the decision-makers:
@NUP_Ug @BobiWineOfficial @NorbertMao @NextMediaUG @TheAlexanderVlogs @YouthMPUg @EthicsAndIntegrityUg

The youth built this nation. It’s time they lead it.

Your Turn: Have you or someone you know been denied a job due to age or connections? Share your story in the comments. Silence is compliance.

By Alexander Luyima | Hoima Post Kampala | 11 April 2025

Let’s make this the conversation Uganda can’t ignore.