UBOS sends 125 young professionals into job market

KAMPALA – The Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) has sent 125 young professionals into the competitive job market after successfully completing a two-month internship programme designed to bridge the gap between classroom theory and practical workplace experience.

The interns, drawn from various universities including Makerere University, Makerere University Business School, Kyambogo University, Uganda Martyrs University Nkozi, Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU), Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) and Ndejje University, were bid farewell during a ceremony held last Friday.

Addressing the young professionals, UBOS Executive Director Dr. Chris N. Mukiza challenged them to put the knowledge and skills acquired both at university and during their internship into practical use to contribute to Uganda’s development.

Mukiza warned the graduates that academic qualifications alone are no longer enough in today’s competitive labour market, urging them to continuously upgrade their skills.

“Learn new skills because life is very competitive,” Mukiza advised.

He said education becomes meaningful when it is translated into practical solutions to real-life challenges, urging the interns to remain curious, adaptable and committed to lifelong learning.

Mukiza also emphasised discipline, hard work, integrity and a positive attitude as key ingredients for professional growth and success.

The UBOS boss commended the interns for their good conduct throughout the programme, noting that he had not received any negative reports about their behaviour.

He further assured the young professionals that UBOS would retain their details in its database for possible future opportunities, while challenging them to become ambassadors of the Bureau in their universities, communities and future workplaces.

Speaking on behalf of the interns, Reagan Opio thanked UBOS management and staff for giving them an opportunity to gain hands-on experience and exposure to the professional environment.

Opio said the internship helped them bridge the gap between classroom learning and practical application while boosting their confidence, professional skills and appreciation of the role of official statistics in national development.

The interns also applauded their supervisors and mentors for the guidance, support and knowledge shared with them throughout the two-month programme.

The farewell ceremony marked the end of their internship journey at UBOS, but also the beginning of their entry into the world of work.

The Bureau encouraged the young professionals to share the knowledge and experiences gained with fellow university students so that more young people can appreciate the value of practical training, professionalism and official statistics.

UBOS continues to implement internship and graduate trainee programmes as part of its efforts to equip young professionals with the skills, knowledge and experience required to compete effectively in the labour market.