President Yoweri Museveni has directed universities across Uganda to stop teaching what he called ‘irrelevant courses’ that do not match labour market demands, arguing that the country cannot afford to produce graduates with skills that the private sector does not need.
In a speech delivered on his behalf by Vice President Maj (Rtd) Jessica Alupo at Lira University’s 7th graduation ceremony on November 21, Museveni said unemployment among graduates would ease if institutions aligned their academic programmes to private-sector needs.
‘The public sector has only 469,216 jobs. This is absolutely nothing, in relation to a population of 46 million Ugandans. Therefore, the greatest number of graduates must seek employment in the private sector,’ he said.
He added that unlike past regimes that ‘suffocated the private sector,’ the NRM government had invested in peace, infrastructure and energy, creating conditions necessary for industrial growth.
‘When we import these items, we donate both money and jobs to foreigners, leaving our own children unemployed. More industries in Uganda means more jobs for the population and taxes to the government to carry out development projects,’ Museveni stated.
Although no ‘irrelevanr courses were mentioned on Friday, the president urged universities to ‘equip students with skills which are needed by the private sector,’ saying global economic shifts driven by science and technology required a new approach.
‘I am optimistic that the graduands from Lira University will form a formidable workforce which will spur Uganda’s industrialisation and technological advancement,’ he said.
Vice President Alupo praised Lira University’s rapid growth since its establishment in 2016. ‘Among the 3 universities which were created on the same day; without any bias, Lira University is growing faster than the other two. If you want to confirm what I am saying, you go to Soroti and Kabale Universities and see,’ she said.
State Minister for Higher Education Dr John Chrysostom Muyingo, in remarks delivered by ministry official Geoffrey Onyanga, warned that all academic programmes must align with Competence Based Education and Training (CBET) starting in the 2027/2028 academic year. ‘No university will be allowed to admit students to programs that will not conform to CBET framework,’ he said.
He challenged the institution to demonstrate its contribution to the government’s growth agenda. ‘The nation is not just asking for graduates; it is asking for catalysts for transformation.’
Lira University Chancellor Justice Benjamin Odoki said the 454 graduands had been trained for both public and private sector needs.
‘Banks are booking our students in advance, even the army and police want to recruit graduates who have qualified in different fields,’ he said.
Vice Chancellor Prof Jaspher Ogwal Okeng reported that student enrolment had risen from 697 in 2017 to 2,437 today, but warned of infrastructure shortages, including lack of staff housing and an unfenced 621-acre campus.