Kabushenga advises on youth unemployment

Vision Group CEO Robert Kabushenga, has advised rotarians to engage the unemployed youth into productive activities to earn a living.

He expressed concern of the growing population of young people not only in Uganda but Africa at large saying a solution must be found to encourage the youth into productive work.

Kabushenga outlined five critical areas the Rotarians can embrace to address unemployment among the young people and this include providing leadership, agriculture, infrastructure, export market and public intervention.

Rotarians pose for a group photograph during rotary district conference and assembly at Imperial resort Beach Hotel in Entebbe on Thursday May 5, 2015. Photo by Francis Emorut

He also advocated for the creation of the ministry of employment to handle unemployment issues.

"Public intervention is to get the ministry of employment and more vocational training colleges," Kabushenga said.

He argued the ministry of labour, gender and social development is more concerned about workers rights.

The Vision Group managing director Robert Kabushenga (centre) talks to motivation speaker Ethan Mussoloni (left) and consultant Dr. Abel Katahoire during the Rotary conference and assembly at Imperial resort Beach Hotel in Entebbe on Thursday May 5, 2015. Photo by Francis Emorut

The Vision Group chief was speaking during the Rotary District conference and assembly which constitutes Rotary District 9211 at Imperial Resort Beach Hotel in Entebbe.

The conference held under the theme: "A Celebration of the Gift of service" attracted over 1,500 delegates from Kenya, Ugandan, Tanzania, US and in Europe.

The four-day assembly is meant to re-engage in campaign for last push to flush Polio out of the world.

"This country doesn't have enough carpenters, masons and plumbers. We need to skill the young people," he said.

A cross section of delegates during rotary district conference and assembly at Imperial resort Beach Hotel in Entebbe on Thursday May 5, 2015. Photo by Francis Emorut

He appealed to members of Rotary to engage in agriculture.

"Go back and get involved in agriculture because you bring knowledge, modern farming methods and literacy," he stated.

About export market he appealed to Government to identify export commodities that can be produced in large volumes with high quality standards to attract young people to engage in productive work.

On infrastructure he argued that the oil pipeline line between Uganda and Tanzania the jobs should be ring fenced for the indigenous people to create more employment for them.

Concerning providing leadership Kabushenga implored the delegates to be role models for the young people.

Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Katumba Wamala (right) talks to rotarain Robert Ssebunya during Rotary district conference and assembly at Imperial resort Beach Hotel in Entebbe on Thursday May 5, 2015. Photo by Francis Emorut

"We need to model the examples we want. If you don't work they (youth) will not work," he said

He cited the New Vision pull out Pakasa published on Fridays which profiles people who have made extra ordinary achievement as an example to attract young people into creativity and innovations.

"We need to change the mindset of young people into productive work," he said.

He warned that if this is not done young people will engage into commercial sex workers and drug addicts.

He discouraged parents from a mentality of wanting their children to get quick money through gambling and sports betting.

A band entertaining delegates during rotary district conference and assembly at Imperial resort Beach Hotel in Entebbe on Thursday May 5, 2015. Photo by Francis Emorut

"Gambling has never made any one rich. We need to provide leadership," he said.

Kabushenga was backed by Ethan Mussolini a motivational speaker who said the young people need to empowered to engage in productive work.

Prof. Patrick Lumumba the director and chief executive officer of Kenya School of Law echoed Kabushenga's concern of youth population growth in Africa saying Rotary people have a critical role to play in proving necessary employment opportunities.

The District Governor Robert Nsibirwa hailed rotary members in complimenting government's efforts in service delivery and for their contribution to Rotary Foundation.

"your contributions go a long way in making the world better place by providing safe water, sanitation, food, education and eradication of polio," Nsibirwa said.

Fabian Kaazi the managing director of Centenary Bank urged his fellow rotarians to encourage the communities to create wealth under the government's programme Operation Wealth Creation (OWC).

Geeta Manek Rotary International coordinator stressed the need to involve women in leadership positions to fight poverty.

The dean of the rotary Representative Network at the UN Edwin Futa appealed to the delegates to the maintain the spirit of service to humanity.

Present at the assembly were the chair of The Rotary Foundation Trustees Ray Klinginsmith, the chief of defence forces Gen. Katumba wamala, former Buganda Kingdom minister Robert Sebunya and the former Prime Minister Kintu Musoke among others.

DJ Breezy