Assessing the effects of unemployment among the educated youth in Amuru sub county:

Abstract

Unemployment as an economic problem has negative devastating consequences among the current youth generation of the 21st century. This study entitled: Assessing the effects of unemployment among the educated youth in Amuru Sub County was conducted in Northern part of Uganda, in the sub county of Amuru. As per the study objectives, the study investigated the effects of unemployment among the educated youth and how unemployment has affected the unemployed educated youth. The study used qualitative research approach with forty respondents selected from the categories of civil servant, unemployed educated youth, local leaders and members from Amuru community. Data were collected both from secondary and primary data sources with the use Focus Group Discussion, questionnaires and interviews as data collection methods. This study established that the effects of employment are numerous. Findings indicate that unemployment has resulted into increased crime rates among the population of Amuru Sub County. Cases of drug abuse, prostitutions, Assaults, Defilements, early Marriages, theft, abortion and killings over resources has reportedly increased some of which are perpetrated by unemployed educated as they look for survival. Furthermore, some unemployed youth experiencing poor conditions health, reduction in agricultural production, domestic based violence and family breakdown due to economic hardship that deters members from staying together In addition, the study investigated how deeply unemployment affects the unemployed educated youth. Findings therefore, reveal that the majority do migrates from rural to urban places with views that employment opportunities and better living environments are found in urban settings. However, it was reported that such beliefs were myths as majority of them who migrates end up in prostitution and homelessness in urban centers. The unemployed youth are also reported to be more vulnerable to the risk of HIV/AIDS infection. While others have neglected agriculture as not fit, dirty and outdated for them to practice as a source of emplyment. The study concluded by recommending the need for employable skills trainings, provision of business capital, attracting foreign investors, and building infrastructures in rural areas to pave create employment opportunities for the unemployed educated youth.