Kampala, Uganda — What was meant to be the beginning of a bright career has instead turned into a daily struggle for one Ugandan university graduate who now sells bananas on the bustling streets of Kampala to make ends meet.
The young man, who proudly wore his graduation gown just months ago, says he has applied for countless jobs without success. With the high rate of unemployment among graduates, he was left with no option but to hustle on the streets.
“I didn’t want to sit at home doing nothing,” he explained. “Even though I studied hard, jobs are scarce. Selling bananas at least helps me earn something small to survive and support my family.”
Every morning, he pushes a wheelbarrow of bananas through the crowded streets, competing with dozens of other vendors. Despite the hardships, he remains hopeful that one day an opportunity fitting his academic qualifications will come his way.
His story has drawn mixed reactions online. While some commend him for refusing to give up and embracing honest work, others say it highlights the pressing unemployment crisis facing Uganda’s youth.
According to the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS), thousands of graduates enter the job market each year, but only a fraction secure formal employment, forcing many into small-scale trade and casual labor.
As he wipes sweat from his face under the scorching Kampala sun, the graduate says his dream of working in his profession is still alive. “For now, I’ll keep pushing. One day, things will change.”
