Title: Survival and Resilience: An Analysis of Livelihood Strategies Among Uganda's Unemployed Youth
Authors: Dr. Arinaitwe Julius, Asiimwe Isaac Kazaara
Volume: 9
Issue: 10
Pages: 219-228
Publication Date: 2025/10/28
Abstract:
Background: Uganda's predominantly youthful population faces severe unemployment challenges, with over 78% of citizens under 30 years and youth unemployment exceeding 13%, while underemployment affects a much larger proportion. Despite possessing educational qualifications, many young Ugandans are excluded from formal labor markets due to limited opportunities, skills mismatch, and structural constraints. Main Objective: To examine the livelihood strategies employed by unemployed youth in Uganda and assess the factors that influence their survival and resilience in the face of economic challenges. Methods: A cross-sectional mixed-methods study was conducted across four regions of Uganda (Central, Eastern, Northern, and Western) among 384 unemployed youth aged 18-35 years selected through multi-stage sampling. Data were collected using structured questionnaires, 12 focus group discussions, and 16 key informant interviews. Quantitative analysis employed univariate statistics, bivariate methods, and multivariate techniques including multiple linear regression to predict economic resilience, multinomial logistic regression to examine livelihood strategy choice, and structural equation modeling to test complex pathways. Key Results: Multinomial logistic regression demonstrated that education, social capital, household income, access to credit, urban location, and vocational training significantly influenced strategy choice, with females 82% less likely to engage in gig economy work but 87% more likely to pursue entrepreneurship compared to males. Northern region youth experienced significant disadvantages across most livelihood strategies.Conclusion and Recommendations: The study confirmed that unemployed youth in Uganda employ diverse livelihood strategies with varying degrees of effectiveness, and that strategy choice and success are significantly determined by socio-economic factors, social capital, and access to resources. The study recommends strengthening financial inclusion and social capital through targeted youth empowerment programs, addressing regional and gender disparities through infrastructure development and gender-responsive policies, and integrating practical skills training with education systems to enhance youth employability and entrepreneurial capacity.