CAUSES OF UNEMPLOYMENT AMONG THE YOUTH:

A CASE STUDY OF MANYANYA VILLAGE IN BUSIA DISTRICT

BY
OPOSIA JACOB
09/U/14214/EXT

A RESEARCH REPORT SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT

FOR THE AWARD OF A DIPLOMA IN YOUTH
IN DEVELOPMENT WORK
MAKERERE UNIVERSITY

JULY 2011

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 Declaration
I Oposia Jacob do hereby declare that causes, effects and strategies for youth

unemployment is entirely my original work, except where acknowledged and that it has

not been submitted before to any other University or institution of higher learning for the

award of a diploma.

Signature……………………………….. Date……………………

This research report has been submitted for examination with my approval as the

candidates University supervisor.

Signature………………………………..

Name……………………………………. Date………………………

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 Dedication

This report is dedicated to my aunties Dr Dinner Nahabi, Aunt Esther, Aunt Florence and
Aunt Samanya whose persistent support cannot be exhaustively defined. May God’s
blessings be multiplied for their parental love and care. To my sisters Myra and Doreen
for all the good advice and encouragement.

Thank you indeed.

To my course mates and friends Stephen Osinde, Ashraf Nsamba, Bernard Nsubuga,
Kenneth Muwanguzi, Zahidi, Aleku, Stuart Sabwa, and Grace Atugonza, your academic
support helped me so much. May God bless you.

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 Acknowledgement

I thank the Almighty God who cleared my way and gave me wisdom to study.

I also wish to appreciate the time and assistance granted to me by a number of persons for
their direct and indirect involvement throughout the course and research; without this,
this venture could not have been successful.

My special thanks go to Dr. Dinner Nahabi for the financial and moral support she
rendered to see me get education. To my sisters, cousins and the entire family, I
appreciate and love you all.

Special thanks go to Uncle Richard for the love and financial support he granted me. You
have really showed me a good heart. Please thank you.

My sincere appreciation goes to my supervisor Mr. Samuel Siminyu for his patience and
fatherly guidance throughout the research and making the report a success.

To my course mates and Winnie who sweated with typing and binding.

Table of contents

iii
Declaration............................................................................................................................i
Dedication............................................................................................................................ii
Acknowledgement..............................................................................................................iii
Table of contents.................................................................................................................iv
List of tables......................................................................................................................vii
List of figures...................................................................................................................viii
List of acronyms.................................................................................................................ix
Abstract................................................................................................................................x

CHAPTER ONE................................................................................................................1
Introduction...............................................................................................................1
1.0 Overview.............................................................................................................1
1.1 Background.........................................................................................................1
1.2 Statement of the problem....................................................................................3
1.3 Purpose of the study............................................................................................3
1.4 Objectives of the study........................................................................................4
1.5 Scope of the study...............................................................................................4
1.6 Significance of the study.....................................................................................4

CHAPTER TWO:..............................................................................................................5
Review of related literature.......................................................................................5
2.0 Overview.............................................................................................................5
2.1 Causes of youth unemployment..........................................................................5
2.2 Effects of youth unemployment..........................................................................7
2.3 Solutions to youth unemployment.......................................................................8

CHAPTER THREE.........................................................................................................10
Methodology...........................................................................................................10
3.0 Overview...........................................................................................................10
3.1 Research design.................................................................................................10
3.2 Sampling procedure or technique......................................................................10

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 3.3 Sample size........................................................................................................10
3.4 Data collection and instruments........................................................................11
3.5 Procedure...........................................................................................................11
3.6 Data analysis......................................................................................................11

CHAPTER FOUR...........................................................................................................12
Presentation Discussion and Analysis of the findings.............................................12
4.0 Overview...........................................................................................................12
4.1 Demographic characteristics of the respondents...............................................12
4.2 Findings on understanding of unemployment...................................................15
4.3 The main Causes of youth unemployment........................................................16
Table 5: Causes of youth unemployment................................................................16
4.3.1 Low levels of education.................................................................................16
4.3.2 Lack of adequate skills...................................................................................16
4.3.3 Job selectivity.................................................................................................16
4.3.4 Bad government policies................................................................................16
4.3.5 Limited job opportunities...............................................................................17
4.3.6 Limited access to resources............................................................................17
4.4 The main effects of youth unemployment.........................................................17
Table 6: The main effects of youth unemployment.................................................17
4.4.1 Limited basic needs........................................................................................18
4.4.2 Poor standards of living..................................................................................18
4.4.3 High crime rate...............................................................................................18
4.4.4 Limited basic services....................................................................................18
4.4.5 High Dependency...........................................................................................18
4.4.6 No access to resources....................................................................................18
4.5 The main strategies for addressing youth unemployment.................................19
4.5.1 Government commitment...............................................................................19
4.5.2 Vocational training.........................................................................................19
4.5. 3 Credit provision............................................................................................19
4.5.4 Ease access to resources.................................................................................20

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CHAPTER FIVE.............................................................................................................21
Discussion conclusion and recommendations.........................................................21
5.0 Overview...........................................................................................................21
5.1 Discussion.........................................................................................................21
5.2 Understanding of unemployment......................................................................21
5.2.3 Causes of youth unemployment.....................................................................21
5.2.3 Effects of youth unemployment....................................................................22
5.2.4 Strategies for addressing youth unemployment.............................................24
5.3 Conclusion.........................................................................................................25
5.4 Recommendations.............................................................................................26
REFERENCES..................................................................................................................27
APPENDIX A: QUESTIONNAIRE..................................................................................29
APPENDIX B: LETTER OF INTRODUCTION FROM THE UNIVERSITY

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 List of tables
Table 1: Category by sex of the respondents.....................................................................12

Table 2: Marital status........................................................................................................13

Table 3: Summary of the educational level of the respondents.........................................14

Table 4: Understanding of unemployment.........................................................................15

Table 5: Causes of youth unemployment...........................................................................16

Table 6: The main effects of youth unemployment...........................................................17

Table 7: The main strategies for addressing youth unemployment...................................19

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 List of figures
Figure 1: Respondents categorized by age........................................................................13

Figure 2: Educational level of the respondents..................................................................14

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 List of acronyms
NRM National Resistance Movement

M.P Member of Parliament

NYP National Youth Policy

CYF Commonwealth Youth Forum

NGO Non-Governmental Organisation

UN United Nations

L.C Local Council

UNHHS Uganda National Household Survey

UNFPA United Nations Population Fund

CBO Community-Based Organisation

YES Youth Enterprise Credit Scheme

UBS Uganda Bureau of Statistics

NUYO National Union of Youth Organisations

UNDHS United Nations Demographic Health Survey

LRA Lord’s Resistance Army

ADF Allied Democratic Forces

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 Abstract
The youths are universally recognized as an important part of any society by both global
and local programmes as well as institutions. For example the United Nations put aside
every twelfth day of August of every year as an International Youth Day. In Uganda,
National Youth Council which has a full secretariat from National level (Parliament) to
village level, clearly spells out that youth be represented at all levels of decision making.
In Manyanya, youths are also represented by their youth councilors and also assisted by
several technical people such as RDCs, LCs among others. Sadly, in spite of all these
efforts, there is very little evidence on ground to show that youth have been fully
empowered although many have attained tertiary education. The rate of unemployment is
still alarming. Not many studies have been undertaken to establish the causes, effects and
solutions to such high unemployment rate.
The study used both qualitative and quantitative research methods with a sample size of
50 respondents of whom were 30 were youths, 15 civil servants, 4 parents and a local
council 1 Chairperson of the community. A questionnaire was mainly used for data
collection where questions were answered by the use of a tick in the provided space/box
as well as filling in answers directly in the dashes provided.
The study findings revealed that unemployment affects more male youth than females.
The major causes of unemployment identified in this study were: low levels of education,
lack of adequate skills, job selectivity, limited job opportunities, as well as bad
government policies. Effects included: Poor standards of living, high crime rate, limited
basic services, high dependency, and limited access to resources. The study concluded
that most of the respondents have ever gone to school and very few who never had
education but a big proportion of them were all affected by unemployment. Proposed
strategies included government commitment, vocational training, credit provision, and
increased access to resources.
The study therefore recommends that the government should increase social services in
education, should review its policies with a view to making them youth employment
friendly. That the government should also reform the education curricula in both
secondary and vocational schools to emphasize skills development, increased investment
in industries as well as curriculum. Youth must be sensitized to be willing to take on any
lawful economic activity so long as it is profitable. Stakeholders should also establish
vocational training institutions where the youth can acquire skills in various activities
such as carpentry, brick making, and entreprenural skills among others.

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 CHAPTER ONE
Introduction
1.0 Overview
This chapter presents a background to the study, statement of the problem, purpose of the
study, objectives, scope, and significance of the study.

1.1 Background
According to the Commonwealth(2007), youth is a person aged 15 to 29; UN take youth
to be persons aged 14 to 25 whereas the National Youth Policy defines youth as all young
person’s female and male, aged 12 to 30 years (Balunzi, 2001).

The International Labour Organization defines unemployed youth as the proportion of the
youth labour force that is unemployed. The unemployed comprise all persons above a
specified age who, during the reference point, were: without work, currently available for
work and actively seeking work. The labour force therefore is the sum of the number of
persons employed and the number of persons unemployed.

In 2007, the UN secretary general Kofi Annan noted that there were approximately 66
million unemployed youth in the world today, an increase of nearly 10million since 1965
(Commonwealth Secretariat, 2004).

The UNFPA state of the world’s population 2005 report says that nearly half the world’s
population (about 3 billion) are under the age of 25.Of these, about 500 million are youth
(people aged 15-24). Globally, more than one billion jobs need to be created to
accommodate young workers entering the labour force and reduce the increasing
unemployment rate. Since the 1970s, young people had become increasingly over
represented among the unemployed in developed and developing nations. A
Commonwealth Youth Program report (1996) summarized the situation when it pointed
out that young people are too frequently subject to a disproportionate burden of
unemployment.

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According to the UNPHC (2002), persons aged 15-19 years constitute about 29% of the
21.6 million of the population. Of these, females constitute 51% and males 49%. Most of
the youths live in rural areas; but a significant number migrate to urban areas in hope of
finding employment. However, most of the youth fail to get jobs and end up in urban
slums and streets. They engage in unproductive or anti-social activities like prostitution,
thuggery, drugs and substance abuse thereby increasing pressure on the few urban
facilities and amenities, (National Youth Policy, 2001).

Although in 1986 the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government made a radical
departure in organizing the youth and put in place structures to empower them socially
and economically, these have not been accompanied by sufficient resources. Both the
department responsible for youth and the National Youth Council lack adequate
resources. While a number of measures have been adopted to address the concerns of the
youth such as skills and enterprise development programs, the efforts are still insufficient
to meet the varied needs of the majority of the youth, (Youth Entrepreneurial Schemes
(YES), 2002). It should also be noted that unlike in the past (1980s to 1990s) many youth
serving organizations and Community Based-Organizations (CBOs) emerge which, while
doing commendable jobs, work independently of each other (Balunzi, 2001).

To eradicate unemployment, Uganda requires creating 600,000 jobs every year yet the
current investments generate only 2000 jobs every year. There is therefore need for
awareness and build an adequate understanding of issues by the government to enhance
youth employment opportunities through entrepreneurship skills development, increased
investments in industries; curriculum also has to be invested to emphasize knowledge
base. (Commonwealth Youth Forum, (CYF), 2007).

Manyanya village located 18 kilometers west of Busia town is a shadow of the mineral
wealth it holds and the strategic location of nearness to the boarder. The people wallow in
abject poverty manifested in the grass thatched hats in homes and schools. Residents
wear rags and over 67% of the people live on less than a dollar a day.The most affected
are youths. (Uganda Bureau of Statistics(UBOS), 2011).In spite of the gold mines

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licensed to a South African firm 16 years ago by the government, the community still
suffers high rates of unemployment, poor school and hospital infrastructure, poor roads,
among others.

1.2 Statement of the problem

The youths are universally recognized as an important part of any society. To this end,
both global and local programs as well as institutions have focused efforts upon the
youths. For example, the United Nations has set aside every twelfth day of August of
every year as an International Youth Day. This was all intended to mobilize local and
international attention towards the youth and the problems they face particularly
unemployment. In Uganda, the National Youth Council which has a full secretariat both
from the National level (Parliament) to the village level, clearly spells out that youth be
represented at all levels of decision making. In Manyanya, youths are also represented by
their youth councilors and also assisted by several technical people such as LCs and other
civil servants such as RDCs, a fully elected Member of Parliament, among others. Sadly,
in spite of all these efforts, there is very little evidence on ground to show that youth have
been empowered although many have attained tertiary education. The rate of
unemployment is alarming. Not many studies have been undertaken to establish the
causes, effects as well as solutions to such high unemployment rate.

1.3 Purpose of the study

The purpose of the study is to find out the causes of youth unemployment in Manyanya
village in Busia district.

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1.4 Objectives of the study
The study was broken down into the following objectives;
1 To identify the causes of youth unemployment.

2 To find out the effects of unemployment among the youth in the area.

3 To propose solutions towards youth unemployment.

1.5 Scope of the study

The study was carried out in Manyanya village in Busia district mainly around public
areas such as markets, football grounds and streets. It also worked hand in hand with
various people among these were; youths, elders, community civil servants L.Cs among
others. The study was carried out between the month of May and June 2011. It also
utilized ideas from other researchers and or authors concerning the causes, effects as well
as possible solutions to youth unemployment.

1.6 Significance of the study

The findings of this study are expected to help the government realize the importance of
making policies that are favorable so as to increase youth employment opportunities as
well as participation.

The findings are also further expected to sensitize local authorities and other stakeholders
on the importance of considering youth key to the success of any development initiative.
The results of the study are further expected to awaken the youth on the dangers of
unemployment

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 CHAPTER TWO
Review of related literature
2.0 Overview

This chapter presents a review of related literature of the study. It therefore stresses
various themes from the study objectives including causes of unemployment, effects of
unemployment as well as solutions to unemployment.

2.1 Causes of youth unemployment

George Ogola (Oct, 1994) analyzed some characteristics of unemployment in Tororo and
the influence of some selected variables on employment growth. He attributed the
unemployment problem to factors like selectivity among school leavers whose
expectations/aspirations are to gain modern sector employment in spite of the limited
opportunities in the sector. He observed that of all the unemployed youth, 26.1% had
completed primary education and 38.6% had acquired secondary school education. These
large proportions of persons with secondary school education was a reflection of job
selectivity on their part because of their high expectations of well paying white collar
jobs and are often reluctant to accept low level jobs. The purpose of this research is to
find ways of addressing unemployment situations among the educated and uneducated
youth of Manyanya village.

At the International Youth Day Celebrations (2009), the youth in their memorandum
outlined challenges still being faced by them in finding employment. These included
influx of foreign workers brought by investors, lack of support for young entrepreneurs
especially in the rural areas, lack of access to resources like land and capital; lack of
focus by existing programs on the informal sector and agriculture, negative cultural
practices such as gender discrimination among others. That all these limit their access to
profitable activities.

Lincoln (2007) identified that policies like structural adjustment which involve cutting
costs, shading labour or freezing public sector wages and cutting employment through

5
cutting public services affects youth so much. He added that governments tend to be
excessively bureaucratic which cause unnecessary delay for youth to at least start their
own businesses hence remaining unemployed.

Callaway (1971) also argues that, in many countries, the rapid extension of formal
education has itself has been a significant factor in the growth of youth unemployment.
This vigorous expansion took place in line with the generally held belief that massive
increase in education would help to generate economic growth. Gradually, it became
clear that large numbers of young people completing different stages of education were
not finding work that represented the years spent in classrooms. There is need to redesign
our education system to suit the changing situation.

Andre (1980) reported that youth with multiple social economic disadvantages, for
example, low education attainment, physical and mental handicaps and young girls with
early pregnancies are most likely to comprise the bulk of young people in this high risk
group of unemployment. The consequence for the children of young, unmarried mothers
can also be critical, as they may be growing up within a cycle of poverty, especially if the
young mother has no or a few marketable skills and/or no financial support from the
father of the child.

Nial (2001) focused on the characteristics of youth labour markets and young people as a
whole and also the behavioral and personal attributes of individuals that affect their
chances of finding work. Odogi (1982) noted that since the cost of training is high, most
employees prefer ready materials; that is, those tutored in work ethics. Organizations
want flexible people who can do different tasks from different fields.

Cote and Allaher (2000) argued that youth unemployment is also as a result of
adolescence being extended through longer periods of education and child labour laws.
That the labour of young people is not needed except in the service industries and that
young people have to wait longer in order to be fully recognized as adults before gaining
better employment. He adds that, most of these youths in the long run, become idle.

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Those in urban areas with little schooling and few job opportunities have ended up
playing part in conflicts.

2.2 Effects of youth unemployment

Balunzi (2001) argues that youth who fail to get jobs end up in urban slums and streets
and engage in unproductive activities like prostitution, thuggery, drugs and substance
abuse. Many young people experience serious difficulties during this transition period.

Owen (2009) argues that the implications of unemployment for young people may
include poverty, migration to urban areas, homelessness and housing problems, rising
crime rates in some areas, lack of youth participation in society and low morale among
young people. Implications that have impact on young women are adolescent prostitution
and higher rates of teenage pregnancies. Young women may find their life changes
particularly limited.

World Bank (2008) warns that unless Uganda scale up her efforts to create jobs, the youth
will find their way into crime and armed conflict given the challenges they face in the
labour market. It adds that, most of the rebel groups that ravage the country such as the
Lords’ Resistance Army (LRA) and Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) take advantage of
the idle youth.

The Commonwealth Youth Program (2007) also argues that unemployment may force
young people to stay at home longer than they or their parents may wish and this in the
long results in to increased conflict and mental or financial stress within the family. That
unemployment may also mean that young women are forced to leave school early, stay
home and provide domestic services for the rest of the family. In a bid to secure income,
a young person may be tempted to turn to a career in crime. Depression associated with
unemployment may lead him/her to substance abuse.

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2.3 Solutions to youth unemployment

Callaway (1971) noted that government needs to know the characteristics of job seeking-
young people: ages, educational positions, family backgrounds and living conditions,
migratory movements, aspirations, periods unemployed as well as incidence of
unemployment in different parts of the country. According to Bishop Ssekamaanya
(2009), the government should create jobs for graduates to reduce on the number of those
seeking greener pastures abroad.

According to Illi (1962) the solution to combating youth unemployment lies in

establishing youth clubs all over the country. Those clubs are intended to provide
education and social services and aim to discourage young persons from visiting
unsuitable places or hanging around streets. They do not offer professional training and
do not attempt to raise false hopes of youth by any pretence that they will find
employment. Creation of improved youth employment centers would also help to check
on unemployment through vocational schools where, young people receive theoretical
and practical training in fields which they have freely chosen. It is hoped that the training
given would provide classes of persons qualified in various professions. At the end of the
training, members would return to their villages or the outskirts of towns where it is
hoped that with state aid, they would become better peasants, stock farmers or craftsmen.
Andre (1980) argues that youth unemployment policy should be conceived and designed
to prevent a further rise in the structural component of the current youth unemployment.

In the petition to the president at the International Youth Day celebrations held on 8 th
August 2009 presented by the National Youth Council chairperson Joseph Okwakol, the
main subject was to reduce the retirement age for civil servants from 60-55.Once this is
done, the problem of youth unemployment would be reduced significantly.

Mike Mukula (2011) argues that the government should develop policies and implement
programmes that can enable youths to employ themselves in career through enterprise
creation. Youth should embrace the entrepreneurship drive as it would reduce ignorance

8
that is fueling unemployment in Uganda. The youth should learn how to save thus
knowing how to save and invest is important for a successful enterprise and would assist
in the reduction of the high youth unemployment problem.

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 CHAPTER THREE
Methodology
3.0 Overview
This chapter talks about the research design, sampling procedures, sample size, data
collection instruments used, procedure and data analysis.

3.1 Research design

The study used a descriptive analytical research design. Both qualitative and quantitative
methods were used to acquire information on the causes, effects and solutions to the
persistent unemployment among youth. This was to enable the researcher to gather a
wide range of information required by the objectives of the study

3.2 Sampling procedure or technique

A sample technique was a way of gathering statistical information where few elements or
individuals were chosen out of the population to present the whole population. The
researcher used a simple random sampling technique where the essence was to allow
every member of the population to get an equal opportunity to be included in the study
and to reduce biases in selecting samples.

3.3 Sample size

A sample size is a part of a population methodologically selected for purposes of drawing
a conclusion about a population and its characteristics (Allan, 1962). In this case
therefore, the sample size was made of 50 respondents; amongst who were 30 youths, 15
civil servants, 4 parents and the local council chairperson of Manyanya parish. Youth
were involved in the study because they were the main culprits; LC1 Chairperson was
selected because he/she is at the forefront in tackling effects of youth unemployment; that
is, solving cases of thuggery, substance abuse, burglary, among others. Parents were
included because they knew most of the negative activities done by their sons and
daughters due to unemployment. Civil servants were also included because they are
involved and have concern in youth affairs in the community.

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3.4 Data collection and instruments
In order to get reliable and accurate data, the researcher used a questionnaire. The
researcher forwarded questions to find out the causes, effects and how unemployment
problem could be reduced. The questions were answered by the use of a tick in the
provided space/box as well as filling in answers in the dashes provided.

3.5 Procedure
An introduction letter was obtained by the researcher from the university at the
Department of Open and Distance Learning where it was used to introduce the researcher
to the heads of the community where the study took place. The introductory letter was to
seek for permission for the researcher to carry out research in the area.

3.6 Data analysis

The collected data was analyzed manually using tallies and the responses of the subjects
were then categorized in frequency counts and score tables with varying percentages
calculated and later tabulation method graphs and pie charts were used to present data.

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 CHAPTER FOUR
Presentation Discussion and Analysis of the findings
4.0 Overview

This chapter mainly deals with presentation, discussion and analysis of findings from the
study entitled causes, effects and solutions of unemployment among the youth in
Manyanya village

4.1 Demographic characteristics of the respondents

Table 1: Category by sex of the respondents

N = 50
Sex Frequency percentage
Male 31 62
Female 19 38
Total 50 100
Source: primary data

The table above indicates that more males than females were involved in the study at a
percentage of 62% whereas females formed only 38%. There were more male
respondents in the study than females because most of the female respondents were
active in other tasks, most especially at the market areas, selling small items such as
tomatoes and at home doing domestic chores. The male respondents were found either
idle or gambling.

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Figure 1: Respondents categorized by age

The above bar graph indicates that only 12% of the respondents were within the age
group of 10-17.Of these, 4% were males and 8% were females.18-30 had the responses
of 64% where 40% were males and 24% females. Those in the age group of 30-40 were
24% where 16% were males and 8% were females. The age group of 18-30 had majority
response because it was the idlest age group and it was easy to access them for
information.

Table 2: Marital status

N = 50
Marital status Frequency Percentage
Married 21 42
Single 28 56
Divorced 1 2
Total 50 100
Source: primary data

The above table indicates that majority of the respondents were single (56%). Of these

13
34% were males and 22% were females. 42% of the respondents were married, where
28% were males and 14% females. In this case, males constituted the biggest category of
the married. Only 2% of the respondents were divorced.

Figure 2: Educational level of the respondents

The pie chart above shows that most of the respondents had had secondary and tertiary
education whereas very few of the respondents had had primary education. These
were all summarized with figures as shown in table 3 below:

Table 3: Summary of the educational level of the respondents

N=50
Level Frequency Percentage
Primary 8 16
Secondary 25 40
Tertiary 17 34

Total 50 100

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4.2 Findings on understanding of unemployment

Table 4: Understanding of unemployment

N=50
Unemployment Frequencies Percentages
Being jobless 14 28
Lacking what to do in return of payment 5 10
Without a profitable activity 11 22
Personal or family needs cannot be 1 2
obtained
Willing to work but jobs not available 2 4
Not sure 17 34
Total 50 100
Source: primary data

The above table indicates that most of the respondents understood unemployment as a
state of being jobless and they formed a percentage of 28%. Those who understood
unemployment as lacking what to do in return of payment were 10%.

Some respondents also understood unemployment as a situation where one cannot cater
for his or her personal or family needs and these were 2%. Whereas some understood it as
a situation where one is willing to work but jobs not available and these were 4%.

Some respondents also argued that unemployment referred to under taking a non
profitable activity and these were 22%

4.3 The main Causes of youth unemployment

Table 5: Causes of youth unemployment
N = 50
Cause Frequency Percentage

15
 Lack of adequate skills 20 40
Low levels of Education 11 22
Limited job opportunities 8 16
Job selectivity 2 4
Bad government policies 4 8
Limited resources 5 10
Total 50 100

4.3.1 Low levels of education

The majority of the respondents sighted low levels of education as a cause of youth
unemployment (22%) Of these, 16% were males and 6% were females.

4.3.2 Lack of adequate skills

Lack of adequate skills was also sighted as the major cause of youth unemployment and
had responses of 40% where 16% were males and 24% females.

4.3.3 Job selectivity

There were also responses on job selectivity as another cause of youth unemployment
where about 4% were males and there were no female responses making up a total
percentage of 4%.

4.3.4 Bad government policies

Some respondents (8%) also blamed unemployment on bad government policies. Of

these, 6% were males and 2% were females. Of the respondents who were questioned,
the majority blamed it on the heavy taxes imposed on goods and services, license fees
which stopped very many of them from working or running small enterprises in order to
come out of the problem of unemployment

4.3.5 Limited job opportunities

16
The respondents also claim unemployment to be due to the limited job opportunities
(16%) of these, 12% were males and 4% were females.

4.3.6 Limited access to resources

Some respondents (10%) also blamed unemployment to be due to limited access to
resources. Of these, 6%were males while females formed 4%.

4.4 The main effects of youth unemployment.

Table 6: The main effects of youth unemployment

N = 50
Effect Frequency Percentage
Basic needs 13 26
Poor standards of living 8 16
High dependency rate 5 10
Limited access to basic 4 8
services
High crime rate 6 12
Limited or no access to 5 10
resources
Not sure 9 18
Total 50 100
Source: primary data

4.4.1 Limited basic needs

The main effect of youth unemployment from the study was limited basic needs. This
was singled out by 26% of the respondents where 16% were males and 10% were
females.

4.4.2 Poor standards of living

Respondents also singled out poor standards of living as another major effect and the

17
responses were 16% where 12% were males and females were only 4%.

4.4.3 High crime rate

Respondents also blamed unemployment for the increasing crimes that ravage the
community where responses were 12%.Of these, 10% were males and females also made
up only 2%.

4.4.4 Limited basic services

Eight percent of the respondents also argued that due to unemployment, access to basic
services such as education, medical care among others tend to be difficult as they have no
any access to finances. Of these, 2% were males and 6% were females.

4.4.5 High Dependency

Some respondents (10%) also argued that high dependency rates are as a result of
unemployment where 8% were males whereas females made a percentage of only 2.

4.4.6 No access to resources

Some respondents also blamed unemployment for the limited or no access to resources
and these were about 10% where 6% were males and 4% females.

4.5 The main strategies for addressing youth unemployment

Table 7: The main strategies for addressing youth unemployment

Solution Frequency Percentages

Government 7 14
commitment
Vocational training 31 62
Credit provision 10 20
Ease access to resources 2 4

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 Total 50 100
Source: primary data
4.5.1 Government commitment

Of the14% respondents, (8% males and 6% females) argued that if the government put all
her efforts like job creation, job security, provision of education among others, the youth
unemployment problem in the area would be reduced

4.5.2 Vocational training

Sixty two percent (36% males and 26% females) of the respondents suggested that there
should be creation of vocational training institutions where youth can go and acquire
skills in various areas ranging from entrepreneurship, professional skills in farming,
carpentry, metal work among others.

4.5. 3 Credit provision

Twenty percent of the respondents argued that they should be provided with credits in
form of startup capital to begin their enterprises. Of these, 16% were males and only 4%
were females.

4.5.4 Ease access to resources

Four percent of the respondents demanded easier access to resources such as land. All
these were males.

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 CHAPTER FIVE
Discussion conclusion and recommendations

5.0 Overview
This chapter presents a discussion, conclusion and recommendation of the study.

5.1 Discussion

5.2 Understanding of unemployment

On the completion of the study, it was realized that most of the respondents understood
unemployment as a state of being jobless. This idea is also in line with Obua’s (2009)
view who stated unemployment as a state in the society where people who are capable of
working happen to be idle or jobless for one reason or another in given period of time.

5.2.3 Causes of youth unemployment

On the completion of the study, most of the respondents argued that low levels of
education were the main causes of the high unemployment rate in the community. This
view is supported by a Commonwealth Youth Program report (1996) that the youth,
coupled with little schooling, are too frequently subjected to a disproportionate burden of
unemployment. That in Commonwealth countries, youth unemployment rates are at 30-
50 percent or more of the total unemployed. This view is also in agreement with Ogola
Soti’s (Oct 1994) view that large proportions of persons with secondary school education
also tend to shun low level jobs because of their high expectations of well paying white
collar jobs and employers are often reluctant to accept low levels of education, hence
remaining totally unemployed.

Respondents argued that lack of adequate skills was another major cause of youth
unemployment in the area. Their argument is in line with Trevor Hamilton and Associates
(1995) view that even vocational courses do not create jobs; but they simply allocate
existing jobs to those with training. That there is a strong possibility that increasingly,

20
young people will be faced with credential inflation because as more people become
qualified, the value of those qualifications declines. This argument is also in agreement
with Calloway’s (1962) view that the rapid extension of formal education leaves many
youth with lack or no skills to do anything at the time of completion of their education.

Respondents also claimed that unemployment was due to the limited job opportunities.
Their argument is in line with the New Vision’s (19 th May 2010) view that the
government should seize opportunities for youths in factories, industries, agricultural
projects among others. Their argument also concurs with the CYF’s (2007) view that
Uganda requires creating 600,000 jobs every year and that there is need for awareness
and building an adequate understanding of issues by the government to enhance youth
employment opportunities. That this can be done through entrepreneurial skills
development, increased investment in industries, as well as curriculum.

Respondents also argued that bad policies by the government result into youth
unemployment. That the government tends to impose heavy taxes on goods and services
license fees.Thier argument is also supported by ILOs suggestions that the major causes
of youth unemployment were heavy taxes imposed on goods and services and other
barriers such as license fees This argument is also in agreement with Lincoln’s (2007)
idea that identified that policies like structural adjustment which involves cutting costs,
shading labour or freezing public sector wages and cutting employment through cutting
public services affects youths so much. He added that governments tend to be excessively
bureaucratic which cause unnecessary delay for youths to at least start their own
businesses hence remaining unemployed.

5.2.3 Effects of youth unemployment

The findings from the study indicate that due to unemployment, access to basic needs
tends to be difficult. Their argument is in line with Kasirye and high foot (2000) view that
in most cases youths living in hats, slums and streets come from poor families mostly
headed by widows or separated spouses This argument is also in line with UBS’s 2011
view that most of the residents in the community wear rugs and over 67% of the people

21
live on less than a dollar a day where the most affected are youth.

Respondents also agreed that as a result of unemployment, the living standards of most of
the people have remained poor. Their idea is supported by the UNFPA state of the world’s
population (2005) report that nearly half the world’s population are under the age of 25
(Over 500 million youths). That they live on less than $2 a day; those at work are mainly
trapped in low wage, low skill sectors with little chance of anything better or any way
out of poverty and are often abused and badly exploited. This is also in line with the
NYP’s (2001) view that most of the youth fail to get jobs and end up in slums and on the
streets.

Respondents also blamed unemployment for the increasing crime rates that ravage the
community every year. Their idea is supported by the Commonwealth Youth Program
report (1996) that in an effort to regain manhood, youths may join gangs that fight other
gangs or attack ethnic groups who they think are the cause of their unemployment. Their
argument was also in agreement with the NYP’s (2001) idea that youth engage in
unproductive or anti-social activities like prostitution, thuggery and drug abuse due to
idleness. World Bank (2008) also warns that unless Uganda scales up her efforts, the
youth will find their way into crime and armed conflict given the challenges they face in
the labour market.

Some respondents argued that due to unemployment, access to basic services such as
education, medication among others tend to be difficult as. Their argument is supported
by Kasirye and highfoot (2000) idea that youth are the most vulnerable groups where
majority come from families headed by single parents. Quite often such families are
characterized by inadequate incomes to provide basic services such as education, medical
care among others This was also in line with Owen’s (2009) view that the implications
of unemployment for young people may include poverty which results into limited access
to basic services as well as migrations to urban areas which increase pressure on the few
urban facilities.

22
5.2.4 Strategies for addressing youth unemployment

The findings of the study showed that for unemployment to be reduced, the government
has to be committed and improve on her policies such as reduction of high taxes imposed
as well as removal of licenses. Their argument was in support with ILO’s (2007)
suggestions that governments should remove barriers, provide tax breaks and incentives
as well as promoting small enterprise development through educational, technical and
tertiary institutions This argument is also in agreement with Mike Mukula’s (2011) who
argued that the government should develop policies and implement programmes that can
enable youths to employ themselves in career through enterprise creation. He urges the
youth to embrace the entrepreneurship drive as it would reduce ignorance that is fueling
up unemployment in Uganda.

Respondents suggested that there should be creation of vocational training institutions

where youths go and acquire skills in various areas ranging from entrepreneurship,
carpentry, farm work, among others. Their argument is in agreement with Buganda queen
(Sylvia Naginda’s (2010)) appeal to government that it should invest more resources in
the vocational sector so that the big unemployment gaps can be reduced. The same
argument is in line with Illis (1962) suggestions that there should be establishment of
youth clubs all over the country as well as creation of improved youth employment
centers. That these would assist in reducing unemployment problem through vocational
schools where young person’s can receive theoretical as well as practical training in fields
which they have freely chosen.

The study exposed the need to provide startup capital for youth to set up small enterprises
of their choice. Their idea is supported by Todaro’s (1997) idea that governments should
structure Commercial banks to handle small loan requirements with no collateral and
should also be willing to finance small enterprises especially in the informal sector.

23
5.3 Conclusion

The study was carried out to find out the possible causes of unemployment among the
youth. During the study, 50 (fifty) respondents were selected amongst whom were 30
youths, 15 civil servants, 4 parents and the local council chair person of Manyanya of the
community. The study utilized mainly a questionnaire as the instrument for data
collection.

The study was carried out alongside three major objectives and these were broken down
into the following;

To identify the causes of youth unemployment.

To find out the possible effects of unemployment among the youth.

To propose solutions towards youth unemployment.

The study also focused on ideas of other authors and scholars as well as already written
reports such as Lincoln (2007), Ogola (1994), Callaway (1971), and CYP (2007) among
others.

On the completion of the study, the researcher realized that low levels of education, lack
of adequate skills, bad government policies and limited job opportunities were the major
causes of youth unemployment. This was according to the findings after the study.

The main effects were; limited basic needs, poor standards of living, high crime rate,
limited basic services, high dependency and no access to resource. The main solutions
included; government commitment, vocational training credit provision and ease access
to resource.

The study concluded that most of the respondents have ever gone to school and very few
who never had education but a big proportion of them were all affected by unemployment
problem because of their job selectivity.

24
5.4 Recommendations

Following the conclusions drawn from the study, the researcher makes the following
recommendations:

The government should increase social services in education so that each and every one
in the village gets access to education. This will assist many people to become literate
and acquire knowledge and skills of starting their own gainful activities.

Stakeholders should establish vocational training institutions where the youth can acquire
skills in various activities such as carpentry, brick making, and entrepreneurial skills
among others.

Youth must be sensitized to be willing to take on any lawful economic activity so long as
it is profitable.

The government should review its policies with a view to making them youth-
employment friendly

Government should reform education curricula in both secondary and vocational schools
to emphasize income generating activities through entrepreneurial skills development,
increased investment in industries as well as curriculum to be invested in to emphasize
knowledge base.

The government, NGOs and other stakeholders should intervene and access basic
services to people at ease. These should include education, medical care among others.

The government should also establish micro-finance institutions in every community

where people can go and acquire credit in form of startup capital for their own small
businesses.

25
 REFERENCES
Allaher.C.J.(2000).Generation on hold. The coming of age in the late 20thcentury:
Stodart:Published by Borowski and .J. Murray.
Allan.M.L. (1962) Basic Ideas for scientific sampling: Birmingum: Heffner publishing
company.
Balunzi.J.M. (MP) (2001) Vision for youth in the 21st century a history of gender labour
and social development: Kampala: Ministry of Gender Labour and Social
Development.
Callaway.A. (1971) “Education, planning and unemployment:Paris:Published by the
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.
Commonwealth Youth Program. (2007)Report on youth unemployment:London:
Commonwealth Secretariat
CommonwealthYouth Program. (2007). Young people and society: London: Published by
the Commonwealth Secretariat
Illi.H. (1962) Symposium on unemployed youth in inter Africa labor institute: Ibadan:
Published on line 14th April 2010
International Labour Organization.(2005).Report on youth
unemployment:LosAngeles:American Bar publishers
Leotic.A.(2003) challenges faced by youths: London: Published Youth Charity Fairbridge
Mondo.K. (2010) new vision: Monday 13th September 2010: Kampala: Vision reporter.
Mukula.M. (2011) Daily Monitor: Monday, August 1st 2011: Kampala: posted by Mike
Mukula
Museveni.Y.K. (2009) Speech at the International Youth Day celebrations: Luwero:
Published by UNFPA Uganda.
Nial.H.(2001) Youth labour markets: Regional report for South, East Asia and the Pacific:
Published by World Bank Oct.2006
Ogola, G.S. (19940 New Vision: October. 2nd 1994: Tororo By Kigaya. M
Okwakol.J. (2009). New Vision: Wednesday 12th Aug, 2009: Luwero: Published by
Cyprian Musoke.
Owen.A.(2009) “Gender and Development:London:Published by the Commonwealth
Secretariat

26
Sekamanya.M. (2009). Daily Monitor: Thursday April 22nd 2009: Mukono: Published by
T. Ogwang.
Uganda Bureau of Statistics. (2001). Report on youth unemployment: Entebbe: Published
by Hajji Hatibu.
United Nations Population Fund (2005). Report on youth unemployment: New York:
United Nations
World Bank. (2008). Warning to Uganda on youth unemployment: Kampala: Published
by Rosebell Kagumire, Uganda Multi-Media Jonurlist.

27
APPENDIX A: QUESTIONNAIRE
I am a student of Makerere University undertaking a study on the causes leading to high
rates of unemployment, the effects of this problem as well as solutions that can be put
forward to address the situation. You are kindly requested to fill this questionnaire
exhaustively and as honestly as possible to enable me achieve the objectives of this study

The information provided is strictly for academic purposes and will be treated with
maximum confidentiality.

Tick the most appropriate answer

Sex

Male female

Age bracket

10-17 18-30

Resident of Manyanya parish

Yes No

Marital status

Married Single Divorced

28
Education level

Primary secondary tertiary

Others specify …………………………………………………

What do you understand by unemployment?

………………………………………………………………………

a) Do you know what causes it?

Yes No

b) If “Yes”, Please explain…………………………………………………………………

Does unemployment exist in this area?

Yes No

Which of these do you believe are the causes of youth unemployment in this area?

Lack of skills job selectively unwillingness to work

Others specify……………………………………………………………………….

29
Is it correct to say that most of the youths in this area unemployment?

Strongly Agree Agree not sure

Disagree Strongly Disagree

a) Is it true that rural-urban migration also contributes to unemployment?

Yes No

b) If “Yes”, how………………………………………………………………………..

a) Does unemployment affect you as a person?

Yes No

If “yes,” please explain……………….................................................

13 a) Does unemployment have an effect on society?

Yes No

b) If yes, please explain…………………………………………....................

a) Does unemployment in this area affect the educated and uneducated in the same way?

Yes No

b) If “Yes”, how………………………………………………………………………..

30
a) Would you blame unemployment for the rising cases of theft and other crimes in this
area?

Yes No

b) If “Yes”, Please explain……………………………………………………………

a) Do you think problems caused by unemployment can be reduced?

Yes No

b) If “Yes”, which of these are the most appropriate ways of fighting unemployment?

Vocational training credit provision

Population control ensuring social order

Others specify…………………………………………………………………………….

a) Is reducing unemployment a responsibility of the youth themselves?

Yes No

b) If “No,” please explain………………………………………………………………

Is reducing unemployment among the youth a responsibility of the state?

Yes No

31
Do families and religious institution have a role in reducing unemployment among youth
in this area?

Yes No

If Yes,” how……………………………………………………………………………

a) Can youth clubs help in fighting unemployment problem among the youth in this area?

Yes No

32