On September 18, 2024, during a council meeting of the Uganda National Students Association (UNSA) for Buvuma District, the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), Isa Mbooge appealed to young professionals to embrace rural opportunities.
His appeal was not simply a call for filling vacant positions but a reflection of the untapped potential that rural Uganda holds for young people, especially graduates.
To Mbooge, the refusal to consider working in places like Buvuma district stems from a deeply ingrained mindset that favors the charm of city life, even if that means remaining unemployed or working in underpaid, overcrowded urban environments.
In his words, the reluctance of graduates to serve in rural areas is both puzzling and unfortunate.
“While the youth cling to dreams of city life, they overlook rural jobs that are often less competitive, offering a unique opportunity for personal and professional growth. Instead of seeing rural postings as dead ends, young professionals should recognize the value they can bring to these communities while simultaneously building their own careers and reputations,” said CAO Mbooge.
The Deputy Director General of Internal Security Organization (ISO), Col. Emmy Katabazi, also urged students to embrace a “mindset shift.”
He echoed an essential truth: “For Uganda to experience nationwide development and transformation, every region must contribute, and that requires a dedicated, well-trained, and willing workforce in all corners. This includes places considered hard-to-reach or underdeveloped, which are often dismissed by job seekers.
But what does working in a rural area really mean for an ambitious graduate?
Take the story of Andrew Musoke, a teacher in Buvuma, who, after years of chasing an elusive city job, finally heeded his father’s advice and moved to the village.
Today, Musoke divides his time between teaching and farming—a fulfilling life he never envisioned when he first graduated. His regret, like that of many others, is that he didn’t make the shift to rural life earlier.
Musoke’s story is proof that the professional and personal fulfillment that rural opportunities provide far surpass the initial challenges many fear.
This perception of rural areas as underdeveloped or even backward holds many young people back. However, Musoke’s experience, like that of many others, highlights the valuable lessons rural communities offer.
He points out that building close links to rural communities can be invaluable for both personal and professional growth. Rural jobs are not just placeholders; they are opportunities to create lasting change and make a tangible impact on communities.
Sadly, there is also a broader issue at play: even those who accept rural posts often lack the focus and commitment necessary to deliver meaningful service.
As the CAO noted, many civil servants in rural areas show up to work only once a week, a disservice to both the people they are supposed to serve and the government that pays them. This lack of accountability and dedication not only harms communities but also erodes the very fabric of public service.
The truth is, the countryside offers a blank canvas for young, driven professionals to paint their own success stories. Unlike cities, where competition is stiff and the markets are saturated, rural Uganda presents a wide range of opportunities to innovate, serve, and create lasting impact. In these areas, graduates can build their personal brands, develop leadership skills, and become catalysts for community transformation.
Moreover, with Uganda’s youth unemployment rate currently at 4.5%, down from previous years but still troubling, the youth cannot afford to ignore any available opportunities—particularly those in rural areas where competition is low and the need is great. The reality is that rural Uganda, with its vast land, resources, and potential for agricultural and social development, is where the future of the country lies.
The rural-to-urban migration trend has left many of Uganda’s rural areas underdeveloped and underserved, but with the right mindset shift, these areas can be hubs of innovation and growth. Uganda’s youth must realize that by investing their time and talents in these communities, they not only help build the nation but also secure their own futures. The next frontier for development is in rural Uganda, and the youth must lead the charge.
