Govt committed to sustainable job creation—Col Nakalema

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The Head of the State House Investors Protection Unit (SHIPU), Col. Edith Nakalema, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to creating sustainable employment opportunities for Uganda’s youth, particularly through Business Process Outsourcing (BPO).

Speaking during a strategic meeting at SHIPU offices in Kampala, Col. Nakalema described BPO as a key driver for addressing youth unemployment.

“We view the BPO industry as a pathway to positioning Uganda as a global hub for service exports, talent sourcing, and talent exports. With a youthful population and over 700,000 reaching the working age each year, BPOs have the resources needed to service the global outsourcing industry,” she said.

The State House Investors Protection Unit (SHIPU) head, Edith Nakalema, delivering her speech during a meeting on harnessing Business Process Outsourcing to address unemployment among the youth. (Photo by PPU/ Tony Rujuta)

She cited Uganda’s educated and ICT-savvy workforce as a competitive advantage.

“This is further enhanced by the fact that this workforce is largely educated and yet probably cheaper compared to the labour force of already developed economies,” she noted, assuring investors of Uganda’s readiness to host BPO operations.

Col. Nakalema also highlighted government efforts to improve digital infrastructure and foster collaboration with the private sector.

“It is also key in meeting our commitment to develop Uganda as a services hub of the region or even the East African Community,” she said, adding that the government is already witnessing young people leveraging digital skills for global opportunities.

Dr Aminah Zawedde, permanent secretary in the ICT and national guidance ministry, revealed that Cabinet has approved a BPO policy aimed at facilitating the industry’s growth.

Ministry of ICT and National Guidance Permanent Secretary Aminah Zawedde delivering her speech during a meeting on harnessing Business Process Outsourcing to address unemployment among the youth. (Photo by PPU/ Tony Rujuta)

“We have that policy in place, and it has recommendations on how to make BPOs thrive. For any business to thrive, we must have the right policies and an enabling environment,” she said.

Dr Zawedde underscored Uganda’s potential to follow India and the Philippines as global BPO leaders.

“With this policy in place, we aim to become number three in BPO success,” she added, stressing the importance of talent marketing and reliable infrastructure.

Dr Hatwib Mugasa, executive director of National Information Technology Authority-Uganda (NITA-U), highlighted the agency’s role in supporting BPO through improved infrastructure and internet subsidies.

“BPO has a multiplier effect when it comes to creating jobs,” he said, calling for a dedicated fund to empower the sector.

Prof. William Bazeyo, Chairperson of the BPO Council, urged stakeholders to promote awareness of BPO.

Chairperson BPO council Prof. William Bazeyo delivering his speech during a meeting on harnessing Business Process Outsourcing to address unemployment among the youth. (Photo by PPU/ Tony Rujuta)

“It’s not only for call centres or ICT. No! It’s something that we practice in our homes every day,” he said, expressing confidence in creating over 30,000 jobs through BPO with proper policies and awareness.

Other speakers included former attorney general Fred Ruhindi, who called for a legal framework to back the BPO policy, and Steven Kwesiga, chairperson of the BPO Association-Uganda, who emphasised the importance of boosting local outsourcing demand.

The chairperson of Makerere University Convocation, George Mugabi Turyamureeba, advocated for a mentorship programme to prepare students for the job market.