Government has announced plans to establish a Shs117 billion graduate fund targeting more than 5,000 unemployed university graduates who completed their studies at least two years ago.

The proposed fund is intended to create startup opportunities for young graduates, support them in establishing income-generating ventures and provide practical exposure to the labour market.

The Minister of State for Youth and Children Affairs, Dr. Mercy Faith Lakisa, says the proposal has already received endorsement from President Yoweri Museveni, while the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development has prepared the necessary documentation for submission to the President and Cabinet for final approval.

Dr. Lakisa explained that prospective beneficiaries will undergo mentorship and guidance before accessing the funds to equip them with the knowledge and skills required to manage the financial support effectively and establish sustainable ventures.

She encouraged young people to embrace government youth empowerment programmes, noting that the proposed graduate fund will complement existing initiatives aimed at addressing unemployment, promoting entrepreneurship and improving livelihoods among young people.

The fund is expected to be rolled out in the coming months, subject to final approval by the relevant authorities.

If approved, the initiative will provide an additional avenue for unemployed graduates to turn their academic qualifications into practical economic opportunities while contributing to job creation and national development.

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