If there are no jobs, why not start their own businesses?
We wouldn’t dream of starting up in business straight from school (unless you are a schoolboy internet millionaire, of course).
But for many Ugandans wanting to escape from subsistence farming, it will be their only option.
There are Vocational Schools in many towns, teaching skills such as carpentry, motor mechanics, and dressmaking. Unfortunately, most of these schools cannot afford materials or equipment, so the teaching is not as practical as it should be. The skills gained are poor, but even these low skills would be useful if there were jobs to go into after leaving. There aren’t.
Nor do they teach even the most basic business skills - how to find customers, how to balance the books, how to make a profit.
And there are few businesses willing to provide any sort of work experience for students - they are afraid of creating competition for themselves!
What is needed is BOTH training for business skills, and ALSO the availability of more sustainable jobs.
The business option
Wildlife. There is huge potential for tourism
Commonest form of transport after walking
A busy local market
Roadside stalls selling produce
