The Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) has revealed that unemployment remains a major challenge in Uganda, with the rate standing at 12.2 percent among the working population aged 15 years and above.
According to the Labour Market Survey Report 2025, youth unemployment is the highest at 18 percent among those aged between 15 and 24 years, widely considered the core working-age group.
The findings were disclosed by Vincent Fred Ssenono, Deputy Executive Director of UBOS, during the official release of the report.
He noted that nearly 90 percent of employed Ugandans lack formal contracts, leaving a large portion of the workforce vulnerable due to limited job security and protections.
Meanwhile, Amos Lugoloobi, the Minister of State for Planning, said the government is implementing measures to tackle unemployment.
He emphasized the promotion of commercial agriculture and efforts to improve working conditions as key strategies.
Lugoloobi expressed optimism that these interventions will contribute to Uganda’s ambition of achieving middle-income status by 2040.
In a related development, Chris Mukiza, Executive Director of UBOS, announced that the bureau will begin releasing Labour Market Survey reports on a quarterly basis.
He said this move is intended to strengthen government planning and support more effective policy implementation for the labor market.
By Charles Katabalwa
16th April 2026
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