Ugandans have been urged to harness their talents, skills and God-given potential not only to earn a living but also to create employment opportunities for others as a way of addressing the growing unemployment challenge, particularly among young people.
The call was made by Moses Ssebiranda, leader of the United Engineers and Traders Association, who challenged Ugandans to recognise their abilities and turn them into meaningful economic opportunities.
In a one-on-one interview at the association’s garage in Kawempe Division, Kampala, yesterday, Ssebiranda was responding to a question about the lessons Ugandans, particularly young people, could learn from the life and death of the late comedian Yokana Mbuuse, popularly known as Kapere.
”Before II want to extend my condolences to the family of the deceased.Kapere embraced his unique appearance and turned it into an opportunity to gain fame, earn a living and create employment for those who filmed him, among others,” Ssebiranda said.
He commended the late comedian for recognising and making use of his uniqueness, saying his life demonstrated how individuals can turn what makes them different into an opportunity to achieve their goals.
”I want to thank him for understanding that God created him for a purpose, which I believe he fulfilled before his departure. Ugandans, especially young people, should use his death as an opportunity to reflect deeply on how they can utilise their talents and potential to overcome life’s challenges,” he added.
Ssebiranda’s remarks come at a time when unemployment remains a major challenge in Uganda, particularly among young people seeking opportunities in an increasingly competitive labour market.
According to figures cited from the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) Labour Market Survey, Uganda’s national unemployment rate stands at 12.2 per cent among persons aged 15 and above.
The statistics highlight the need for innovative approaches to employment creation, skills development and entrepreneurship.
Although the government has introduced various programmes and initiatives aimed at addressing unemployment, the challenge continues to affect different regions and population groups in varying ways.
Ssebiranda’s message is therefore a reminder that employment creation should not be left entirely to the government.
Individuals can also contribute by identifying their talents, developing their skills and transforming their abilities into businesses and other income-generating activities.
He urged young Ugandans not to underestimate their potential, emphasising that even unique personal attributes can become valuable opportunities when properly utilised.
The late Kapere’s life, he suggested, should inspire people to discover their purpose, make the most of their abilities and use their talents to create opportunities for themselves and others.
Yokana Mbuuse, alias Kapere Lufotose, collapsed at his daughter’s school after complaining of a severe headache.
Kapere, 56, was attending a visitation and graduation ceremony at Jolivo Day Care and Junior School in Kyimbejja, Wakiso district, on Sunday when he suddenly fell ill
Kapere was rushed to Royale Health Services Hospital in Buddo, Wakiso district, where he was pronounced dead .
