BrighterMonday Uganda in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, successfully concluded its inaugural Eastern Career Fair, hosted at the Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU), Mbale Main Campus, on October 17th and 18th, 2025. The two-day event, centered around the powerful theme of ‘Bridging Dreams and Opportunities’ and structured into key days, drew in an unprecedented turnout of over 1,500 enthusiastic participants, including students, job seekers, regional employers, and government officials.
The fair was strategically designed to tackle the growing skills gap and youth unemployment challenge in Eastern Uganda, providing a critical interface between local talent and formal sector opportunities. High-level attendance underscored the national significance of the event, featuring prominent speakers such as Dr. Serwanga Jamil, IUIU Vice Rector, and WatsemwaLilian, Principal Human Resource Officer at the Ministry of Public Service of Uganda.
Bridging the Gap with Practical Skills and Digital Tools
The agenda was packed with actionable sessions aimed at equipping youth with relevant, modern-day employment skills. The first day was anchored by a High-Level Panel on “Youth, Work, and the Future of Industry in Eastern Uganda,”where leaders discussed regional economic pathways. In parallel, participants engaged in focused Career Clinicscovering CV writing, interview mastery, and digital tools for job searching, including a dedicated clinic tailored for Persons WithDisabilities (PWDs). A major highlight was the live showcase of an AI Career Tool Demo led by Patricia Nalukenge, introducing participants to future-proof guidance platforms.
Day two shifted focus to skills deepening and inclusive pathways to employment. Joan Kobusingye (MERL) presented a crucial Job Forecast and Skills Gap Analysis, setting the stage for focused discussions.
A Strong Focus on Inclusivity and Innovation
A core commitment of the fair was fostering inclusive employment. This was emphasized during the panel discussion on “Inclusive Employment: Opportunities for young women and PWDs,” which brought together employers and representatives from various social groups to share best practices. The fair also ensured accessibility with sign language interpreters, ramps, and quiet zones.
Participants engaged in themed workshops across high-growth sectors, including Green Jobs & Agribusiness, Tech & Digital Economy, Entrepreneurship & Startups, and Manufacturing – Professional Growth for Women. The event culminated in a Talent Showcase—a “Career Pitch Challenge”—where youth presented innovative ideas, followed by extensive Job & Internship Matchmaking, leading to on-the-spot interviews and shortlisting for numerous opportunities.
The turnout of over 1,500 participants is a testament to the immense desire among Eastern Uganda’s youth to connect with meaningful career paths. By bringing together high-level government representation, private sector leaders, and practical skill development under one roof, we are not just hosting a fair; we are actively co-creating a resilient, skilled workforce ready to contribute to Uganda’s economic future.
The Eastern Career Fair marks a successful milestone in BrighterMonday Uganda’s commitment to decentralized youth empowerment, promising future collaborative initiatives to expand its reach across the nation.
About BrighterMonday Uganda (BMU)
BrighterMonday Uganda (BMU) is the leading platform for career development and recruitment in Uganda. Part of the BrighterMonday Group operating across East Africa, BMU is dedicated to connecting top talent with verified employers. The company offers job board services, customized career advice, skills assessments, and tailored HR solutions to empower the Ugandan workforce and drive organizational success.
About the Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU)
Islamic University in Uganda is a multi-campus university that was established in 1988 by an Act of Parliament. The government of Uganda hosts IUIU on behalf of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). With campuses in Mbale (Main Campus), Kampala, Arua, and a dedicated Female Campus in Kabojja, the Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU) provides a multi-campus, world-class education. The university focuses on integrating research and professional values to graduate highly competent professionals across its nine Faculties, which include Management Studies, Science, Law, Health Sciences, Social Sciences, Islamic Studies and Engineering.
About the Mastercard Foundation: The Mastercard Foundation is a powerful partner in addressing youth unemployment through its Young Africa Works strategy, which aims to enable 4.3 million young people in Uganda to access dignified and fulfilling work by 2030, with a strong focus on young women and vulnerable populations. This partnership enables the fair to deliver large-scale, impactful career development experiences outside the capital city.