The youth are poorer than their parents and our Govt does not care

What the report says

The Observer published a viewpoint article arguing that Uganda’s young people are becoming materially worse off than their parents, despite higher levels of formal education. The writer, identified as a feminist lawyer and Pan-African feminist political economy analyst, says many youth lack land, savings and job security, and that young women face the deepest economic strain.

Citing the 2024 Uganda Census, the article says unemployment among people aged 18 to 30 stands at 16.1%, with a higher rate for young women at 18.7% compared with 13.4% for men. It also says most working youth are in the informal sector and links persistent poverty to an economy whose reported growth has not translated into security for many households. The commentary argues that unpaid care work by women, including childcare and support for sick or elderly relatives, remains largely invisible in GDP and public budgeting.

The writer criticizes government priorities, saying inadequate social protection shifts the burden of family survival onto young adults, especially women. The article also points to land inheritance practices that often disadvantage women, making long-term wealth accumulation harder. It frames these issues as part of a wider failure to recognize care work, protect workers and support young families.

The piece calls on officials named in the article, including the ministers responsible for gender, labour and social development, and for finance, planning and economic development, to prioritize labour protections, health, education and social support. It concludes by urging a new social contract that includes recognition of care work, stronger social protection and equal land rights for women.