BrighterMonday Uganda’s eastern career fair empowers over 1,500 youth
The fair was strategically designed to tackle the growing skills gap and youth unemployment challenge in Eastern Uganda, providing a critical interface between local talent and formal sector opportunities.
Vision Group CEO, Don Wanyama addressing the audience at the Eastern Career Fair hosted at the Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU), Mbale Main Campus. (Photos by Simon Okitela)
By Simon Okitela
Journalists @New Vision
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At least 1,500 youth from Eastern Region have benefited from a Career Fair hosted by BrighterMonday Uganda in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation.
The inaugural Eastern Career Fair hosted at the Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU), Mbale Main Campus centered around the powerful theme of ‘Bridging Dreams and Opportunities.’
The fair was strategically designed to tackle the growing skills gap and youth unemployment challenge in Eastern Uganda, providing a critical interface between local talent and formal sector opportunities.
High-level attendance underscored the national significance of the event, featuring prominent speakers such as Dr. Serwanga Jamil, from IUIU, Vision Group CEO, Don Wanyama and Watsemwa Lilian, Principal Human Resource Officer at the Ministry of Public Service among others
The agenda was packed with actionable sessions aimed at equipping youth with relevant, modern-day employment skills.
The first day was anchored by a High-Level Panel on “Youth, Work, and the Future of Industry in Eastern Uganda,” where leaders discussed regional economic pathways.
Participants also engaged in focused Career Clinics covering CV writing, interview mastery, and digital tools for job searching, including a dedicated clinic tailored for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).
Vision Group Ceo, Don Wanyama (grey Jacket) After His Speech During The Fair In Mbale
A major highlight was the live showcase of an AI Career Tool Demo led by Patricia Nalukenge, introducing participants to future-proof guidance platforms.
Day two shifted focus to skills deepening and inclusive pathways to employment. Joan Kobusingye (MERL) presented a crucial Job Forecast and Skills Gap Analysis, setting the stage for focused discussions.
A core commitment of the fair was fostering inclusive employment. This was emphasized during the panel discussion on “Inclusive Employment: Opportunities for young women and PWDs,” which brought together employers and representatives from various social groups to share best practices.
Participants also engaged in themed workshops across high-growth sectors, including Green Jobs & Agribusiness, Tech & Digital Economy, Entrepreneurship & Startups, and Manufacturing - Professional Growth for Women.
The turnout of over 1,500 participants is a testament to the immense desire among Eastern Uganda’s youth to connect with meaningful career paths.
By bringing together high-level government representation, private sector leaders, and practical skill development under one roof, meant re-creating a resilient, skilled workforce ready to contribute to Uganda’s economic future.
The Eastern Career Fair marks a successful milestone in BrighterMonday Uganda's commitment to decentralized youth empowerment, promising future collaborative initiatives to expand its reach across the nation.
The Fair also falls in line with the Mastercard Foundation agenda to empower youth through its Young Africa Works strategy, an initiative that seeks to enable 4.3 million young people in Uganda to access dignified and fulfilling work by 2030.