In a significant step towards tackling youth unemployment, BrighterMonday Uganda, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, Advance Afrika, and URSB (Uganda Registration Services Bureau), officially launched the ‘HireNow Tour’ yesterday, November 13, 2025, at the District Council Hall in Arua.
The successful launch event convened over 180 participants, including business leaders, employers, and youth, underscoring a joint commitment to investing in youth through critical upskilling and job placement initiatives.
Commitment to Skilling and Placement
The ‘HireNow Tour’ is a vital extension of BrighterMonday Uganda’s robust efforts to enhance youth employability across the country.
Jeff Luboga, Head of Workforce at BrighterMonday Uganda, addressed the gathering, highlighting the core of their strategy: the Gen-Kazi programme—BrighterMonday Uganda’s upskilling and placement initiative in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation.
He stressed that the program is designed to equip young Ugandans with the practical, demand-driven skills needed to thrive in the modern job market, emphasizing the necessary shift from relying solely on academic degrees to prioritizing employable skills.
Call for Employer Investment
The launch received strong endorsement from local leadership. The Arua District Chairman, Honorable Alfred Okuonzi, was a notable speaker who strongly encouraged the attending business leaders to actively invest in the youth by providing opportunities. He emphasized the urgent need to skill young people with the specific competencies required to successfully navigate the job market.
Other distinguished local leaders present included the Resident City Commissioner (RCC) and the Town Clerk, signalling robust government support for the private-sector-led employment drive.
Future Tour Locations
The impactful launch in Arua marks the first stop of the HireNow Tour. BrighterMonday Uganda and its partners are committed to taking this initiative across Northern Uganda to reach more young people and local employers.
The next stops on the HireNow Tour are:
- Gulu (20th November 2025)
- Lira (26th November 2025)
The tour aims to create a tangible impact by connecting skilled youth directly with employers in their regions, thereby decentralizing job opportunities and fostering local economic growth.
