Top Telecommunications companies in Uganda have today hosted the 2nd cohort of annual career fair where students get an opportunity to meet and interact with industry professionals, learn about job opportunities, and network with potential employers.
The event that pulled sector player American Tower Corporation (ATC) in partnership with like MTN Uganda, Airtel Uganda and the Uganda Telecom went down at Kyambogo University School of Engineering.
Speaking during the session, Rajesh Agrawal, the Airtel Networks Director called upon students to work hard because Telecoms are searching for fresh brilliant minds, and Kyambogo is one of those places where most of the engineers at Airtel have come from.
“I personally consider Kyambogo University as very important place where I can source my engineers from. So being here and interacting with the students is, is very encouraging for me, because this is a place where I can find my future engineers also.” Rajesh said.
He added that Airtel is joined hands with stake holders in the sector not to compete but to give back to Ugandans.
“I think we are here not here to compete, but to serve this great nation. We all have the same market and the same people to serve and the same society to build. Therefore us coming together to empower students still in University does not only benefit us as companies but the entire value chain.” He added.
Speaking on behalf of the ATC Uganda, the Head of Human resource Stella Ssekweyama said interacting with the students does not only give empowerment but also strengthens the next generation professionals.
In this effect, Ssekyewa revealed that the ATC Uganda is currently implementing a one year graduate trainee initiative aiming to identify and provide young talent with professional training in various fields, enhancing their skills and employability.
“As ATC Uganda, our main goal in this initiative is to enhance the skills and knowledge of participants, enabling them to compete effectively in both the national and international job markets. We all know that currently Securing a good job in Uganda has become increasingly challenging for fresh graduates due to various reasons. Can you imagine, every job opportunity you hear about now is looking people with experience, but the question should be is where will the youth get experience from if not granted opportunities like this one?” Ssekweyama said.
The ATC Uganda Industrial Training Program, launched in 2022, offers promising young graduates a competitive advantage in securing employment within ATC Uganda and beyond. The program is open to unemployed fresh graduates from recognized tertiary institutions who have obtained a first-class or second-class upper degree.
Currently, Uganda has a youth unemployment rate of 6.58 percent (UBOS), indicating the share of the workforce aged 15 to 24 actively searching for work but not currently employed.
Abel Kiberyango, the MTN Uganda Senior Manager IT Infrastructure and Service management described today’s Career fair is an avenue for Talent Development, Succession Planning.
“Its our role as cooperate companies to build the future we desire for our people. Today we are not just talking to students, we are grooming a new generation of leaders and professionals who will soon take on key roles within the organizations like MTN Uganda.” Kiberyango said.
He however challenged university students to live a purposeful life and stay away from any sort of addition that divert them from their big dreams of being someone important in future.
Kasada Agabo Garvin, the president of the Kyambogo University Engineering Students Association (KYUESA) hailed all the stakeholder for unconditionally choosing to empower the young engineers.
“This commitment to empowering the next generation of engineers is truly commendable, and we are incredibly grateful for the opportunities you have helped create for our members.” Kasada said adding that In a time where securing employment in Uganda poses significant challenges for fresh graduates, your sponsorship plays a vital role in shaping the future of our aspiring engineers.
“The statistics highlighting the youth unemployment rate in Uganda underscore the importance of initiatives like ours that aim to equip students with the skills and resources needed to navigate the competitive job market successfully. Your contribution not only fosters academic and professional growth but also instills confidence and optimism in our members as they prepare to enter the workforce. Your belief in our mission inspires us to strive for excellence and make a positive impact in the field of engineering.” He noted.
