By Moses Mulondo

UNEMPLOYED youths should stop looking at the Government for jobs but create their own, the youth minister has advised.

Maj. James Kinobe said: “The richest people in Kampala are not the most learned but became rich because of self-initiative. Innovation and creativity is also the reason for the gap between the rich and poor countries.”

He added: “Put away your hopes for jobs in the Government.”

Kinobe (right) revealed that the private sector had more employment opportunities and the youth should focus on them.

Kinobe said this on Thursday at the opening of the annual Global Kimeeza USA/Uganda Summit at Makerere University Business School conference hall in Kampala.

Kinobe’s argument, however, was disputed by an American delegate, Mai Shaffner, who demanded that the Government plays a more central role in job allocation.

“Sir, I cannot be convinced that meaningful development can be achieved in a young and a war-torn country like Uganda without government development projects. The private sector can only be trusted with the economy in the long-run.”

The summit is sponsored by the US-based Global Youth Partnership for Africa and runs till January 17. It has over 15 delegates from the USA who are sharing ideas with their Ugandan counterparts.