'Uganda's youth bulge a double edged sword'

KAMPALA - Minister of finance, Matia Kasaija says Uganda's youthful population, although having the potential to spur growth, can turn out to be a recipe for instability if government fails to find its young people gainful employment.

While presenting a paper on the opening day of government's annual performance review earlier today, Kasaija said the country cannot afford to sit on its laurels when universities and other tertiary institutions are churching out an estimated 500,000 graduates every year.

"Uganda Bureau of Statistics indicates that 500,000 young people join our work force every year from universities and other tertiary institutions. These people need jobs or else we all face consequences," Kasaija said.

Global population data indicates that Uganda is not only having one of the fastest growing population rates, but one of the youngest populations in the world.

If productive, experts contend, a young population can spur economic growth. However, unemployment can turn out to be cataclysmic as the case has been in countries that have suffered bouts of political upheavals.

The five-day retreat at Speke Resort Munyonyo which was opened by Prime Minister, Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda, is aimed at reviewing government performance in the financial year 2015/16.