Graduate volunteers oriented in Kampala under major empowerment programme
The National Apprenticeship Programme is among the government’s ongoing interventions aimed at addressing unemployment, which remains a major challenge, especially for the youth
By Steven Kinene and Joseph Ssekiranda
KAMPALA, June 25, 2026 — More than 120 graduate volunteers and apprentices attended an orientation workshop organised by the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development [MGLSD] following their deployment to various institutions across the country.
The workshop, held on Tuesday at Fairway Boutique Hotel in Kampala, was conducted under the sixth cohort of the National Apprenticeship Programme [NAP] for the 2025/2026 financial year. Among others, the workshop aimed to equip graduates with the knowledge and practical skills needed to integrate effectively into the organisations where they have been placed.
The National Apprenticeship Programme is a government initiative designed to bridge the gap between academic training and labour market demands by providing graduates with hands-on workplace experience.
Under the programme, the Ministry partners with government agencies, private sector entities and civil society organisations to offer practical work placements for educated young people who lack prior work experience. The initiative is intended to reduce unemployment and underemployment across the country.
Some of the host institutions include Uhuru Institute for Social Development, theCooperator Media Ltd, the National Planning Authority [NAP], local governments, the Civil Society Budget Advocacy Group and several others.
Representatives of the host institutions said they were ready to receive and support the graduate volunteers in the fields of journalism, engineering, agriculture, and social sciences among others.
Hellen Nabwire, Human Resource Administrator at Uhuru Institute, pledged to support volunteers assigned to the organisation throughout the programme period.
She said the Ministry’s objective was to help participants gain meaningful workplace experience and added that those who excelled could be considered for retention.
Speaking during the workshop, Zacary Katusiime, Senior Skills Development and Technology Innovation Officer at the Ministry, said the programme was launched in 2019.
He added that, as of this year, 75 percent of graduates and apprentices who had completed the programme had secured employment, one of its key objectives.
Katusiime said more than 6,000 applicants had applied for the 2026 cohort, but the host institutions had limited capacity to absorb all eligible candidates.
He encouraged successful applicants to share information about the programme with other eligible youth and urged unsuccessful applicants to continue applying, noting that they would have opportunities in future cohorts.
He also assured participants that the Ministry would continue providing support during their placements.
Officials from the Ministry urged the graduates to demonstrate discipline, professionalism and a positive attitude as they begin their apprenticeships and volunteer placements, noting that such opportunities often come only once.
Jean Byamugisha, Chief Executive Officer of the Uganda Hotel Owners Association [UHOA], speaking on behalf of the private sector, encouraged participants to remain hardworking, manage time effectively, maintain humility and dress professionally in the workplace to improve their chances of being retained.
“The ball is in their court: either perform well and position themselves for retention, or waste the opportunity and lose it,” she said.
She noted that opportunities are increasingly difficult to find and challenged young people to be more intentional about their careers.
“Many young people tend not to care enough about their future. They care less, yet time is moving on and leaving them behind. It is important to know your goal and why you need to work,” Byamugisha said.
Joan Neumbe, a graduate volunteer and data analyst attached to the NPA thanked the Ministry for preparing her for the job market and pledged to uphold professional ethics during her placement.
Joseph Sekiranda, a photojournalist attached to Cooperator Media Ltd, said he intended to use the opportunity to strengthen his practical skills.
“This opportunity will expose me to the world of journalism,” he said.
Muhindo Juan, an enrolled midwife attached to Wakiso District Local Government, appealed to the Ministry to place participants in institutions aligned with their fields of study.
“That is what I need to build my career,” she said.
Derrick Ndawundi, a former beneficiary of the programme and a member of the first cohort in 2019, shared his success story. He was placed at the NPA. Following the completion of his placement, he was retained by the organiSation and continues to work there.
Ndawundi encouraged the new beneficiaries to value professionalism and workplace ethics.
“Time management, good character, phone etiquette, and teamwork are essential qualities that every young professional should develop,” he said.
He also advised young women to maintain professionalism in their dress code while at work.
“Ladies should dress appropriately and professionally in the workplace,” he added.
Akellot said she had spent four years at home without employment after completing her studies. During that period, she became a mother to a baby boy, a responsibility she had not anticipated at the time.
“I thank God for this opportunity. I have been at home for four years, and this chance gives me hope that I can achieve my goals and build a better future for myself and my son,” she said.
Officials further said the orientation workshop was organised to provide beneficiaries with a clear understanding of the programme’s objectives, workplace ethics, compliance requirements, and their roles and responsibilities while at their respective work stations.
The National Apprenticeship Programme is among the government’s ongoing interventions aimed at addressing unemployment, which remains a major challenge, especially for the youth. Uganda’s national unemployment rate currently stands at about 12 percent, while youth unemployment among degree holders is estimated at 32 percent.
With approximately 700,000 new entrants joining the labour market each year, many young people are pushed into informal employment or underemployment due to the limited availability of formal jobs.
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