BrighterMonday Uganda, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, successfully hosted the first-ever Eastern Career Fair at the Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU) Main Campus, Mbale, from October 17–18, 2025.
Held under the theme “Bridging Dreams and Opportunities,” the two-day event attracted over 1,500 participants, including students, job seekers, employers, and government officials. The fair aimed to narrow the region’s skills gap and tackle youth unemployment by directly connecting young people with formal sector opportunities and practical career tools.
High-level dignitaries graced the opening ceremony, including Dr. Serwanga Jamil, IUIU Vice Rector, and Ms. Lilian Watsemwa, Principal Human Resource Officer at the Ministry of Public Service, who underscored the importance of aligning education with employability.
Equipping Youth with Skills for the Future
Day one featured a High-Level Panel on “Youth, Work, and the Future of Industry in Eastern Uganda”, alongside Career Clinics focusing on CV writing, interview mastery, and digital job-search tools. A highlight of the day was an AI Career Tool demonstration by Patricia Nalukenge, showcasing how artificial intelligence can guide youth toward future-proof career choices.
On day two, discussions centered on skills development and inclusivity, guided by a Job Forecast and Skills Gap Analysis presented by Joan Kobusingye (MERL).
Driving Inclusivity and Innovation
The fair emphasized inclusive employment, featuring a dedicated panel on “Opportunities for Young Women and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).” Accessibility was ensured through sign language interpretation, ramps, and quiet zones.
Participants also took part in workshops across key growth sectors such as Green Jobs & Agribusiness, Tech & Digital Economy, Entrepreneurship & Startups, and Manufacturing—Professional Growth for Women. The event concluded with a Career Pitch Challenge, where youth showcased innovative ideas, and a Job & Internship Matchmaking session that led to on-the-spot interviews and shortlisting.
A Milestone in Youth Empowerment
With its strong turnout and practical outcomes, the Eastern Career Fair marks a milestone in decentralizing career development in Uganda. By uniting government, private sector, and academia under one roof, BrighterMonday Uganda and the Mastercard Foundation are helping to build a skilled, resilient workforce ready to drive the country’s economic transformation.
