Uganda Breweries Limited (UBL) has graduated 140 young people from its Learning for Life program, equipping them with essential business and hospitality skills to enhance their employability in Uganda’s competitive job market.
The initiative, which emphasizes inclusion and diversity, trained 54 women, 70 men, and 16 people with disabilities in bartending, sales, entrepreneurship, and hospitality management.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony, Sheila Sabune, Corporate Relations Director at Uganda Breweries Limited, highlighted the urgent need for skills-based interventions to address Uganda’s youth unemployment challenge.
“Every year, about 400,000 young Ugandans enter the job market to compete for approximately 9,000 available formal jobs,” Sabune said. “About 39% of institutionally qualified youths are unable to find employment—a situation that is even worse for semi-skilled and unskilled young people.”
According to the Uganda Bureau of Statistics 2024 census, the overall unemployment rate stands at 12.3%. Among youth aged 15 to 24, however, 42.6% are not in employment, education, or training, indicating significant underemployment in low-productivity jobs.
The program awards graduates the Diageo Bar Academy certificate, which is recognized internationally, giving participants a competitive advantage beyond Uganda’s borders.
“We strive to equip youths with marketable job skills and experience that give them an advantage,” Sabune explained. “These skills aren’t only marketable here but in many other places.”
Unlike previous years, this year’s intake prioritized women and people living with disabilities—groups that face disproportionate barriers to employment due to income inequality and limited negotiating power.
The approach aligns with UBL’s 2030 sustainability action plan, which aims to create a sustainable and inclusive business model. The company has committed to ensuring that 50% of beneficiaries from its community programs are women and that initiatives specifically empower underrepresented groups.
Yogi Biriggwa, President of the Uganda Tourism Association, commended Uganda Breweries and its partners for investing in youth empowerment.
“This training prepares you for real jobs and real customers. It supports youth employment and business creation across the tourism value chain,” Biriggwa said. “When you strengthen skills, you strengthen destinations. The best way to build a competitive tourism sector is by investing in people.”
She noted that the hospitality industry requires individuals who are adaptable, innovative, and committed to continuous learning—qualities the Learning for Life program seeks to instill in its graduates.
The program represents a practical intervention in addressing Uganda’s youth unemployment crisis while supporting the growth of the country’s hospitality and tourism sectors.
