Uganda’s War for Talent Shifts from Recruitment to Retaining and Developing Skilled Workers

What the report says

Human resource specialists meeting at the 3rd Human Resources Conference in Kampala said Uganda’s labour market challenge is shifting from simply finding workers to keeping and developing them. According to Nile Post, the discussion centred on how employers can make better use of the country’s growing workforce amid technological change, changing employee expectations and rising competition for skilled staff.

Organisational anthropologist Dr Shamim K. Matovu said the bigger problem is often not a lack of talent, but organisations failing to identify, develop and fully use the skills already available. She urged leaders to build workplaces where employees are recognised, trained and retained, and said younger workers, especially Generation Z, are looking for purpose, meaningful work and chances to grow professionally.

The article also quotes other speakers who warned that employers are not investing enough in change management as workplaces adopt new technologies. Shamim Kavuma of Royal Van Zanten said organisations need to prepare employees for these shifts, while recruitment consultant Emmanuel Mutsinzi said employers should be ready for a more ambitious generation that expects faster career progression. Maureen Businge Mugisa of BDO stressed the need for emotionally intelligent leadership to help workers handle disruption and uncertainty.

The broader message is that Uganda’s economic ambitions may depend less on recruitment drives and more on practical training, leadership and workplace cultures that turn human capital into long-term productivity and career growth.