The internet showcased its compassionate side last weekend as a wave of support rallied around Shafik Sebanenya, a talented young Ugandan working as a security guard in the Middle East. Enduring six years under the sun in Abu Dhabi, Sebanenya, a graduate with top honors in Statistics from Kyambogo University since 2017, found himself compelled to seek opportunities abroad due to the limited prospects in Uganda for his skill set.
Despite his academic achievements, Sebanenya’s aspirations of becoming a business analyst were thwarted by the rigid demands of the Ugandan job market. In his pursuit of professional growth, he embraced the dual roles of a security guard while diligently pursuing further education through online courses.
Last week, Sebanenya, originally from Lwengo district, took to TikTok to candidly share his journey, lamenting how his academic excellence failed to align with his employment reality. His video, titled “With 19/20 points in PEM and a First-Class degree in Statistics, (I am) a proud security guard,” resonated deeply, amassing over 280k views and sparking a groundswell of empathy and support from Ugandans, both at home and abroad.
Among those moved by Sebanenya’s plight was former Presidential candidate and Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. Venansius Baryamureeba, who extended a job opportunity to Sebanenya and urged others to facilitate their connection.
Sebanenya’s story not only garnered solidarity but also reignited a discourse on youth unemployment in Uganda, with many sharing their own struggles and reflections post-graduation.
“Sometimes you painfully meet such a situation where your former unserious student, who struggled with retakes, is now thriving in a plush office due to connections,” remarked activist Dr. Jim Spire Ssentongo. “It’s a stark reminder of the systemic issues plaguing our society.”
Indeed, unemployment remains a pervasive challenge in Uganda, propelling hundreds of thousands of young people to seek livelihoods abroad, often in roles like domestic workers, security guards, or drivers, underscoring the urgent need for systemic reforms to create meaningful opportunities at home.
