Kampala, Uganda: Former NBS Television presenter and aspiring politician Robert Sekidde, popularly known as Tuff B, has expressed concern over the declining value of education in Uganda, citing nepotism and entrenched power structures as key reasons why academic qualifications no longer guarantee success.
Tuff B said that in past decades, education was seen as a sure pathway to prosperity, with many Ugandans even travelling abroad to acquire degrees and qualifications to secure good jobs. However, he argues that the situation today is fundamentally different.
“Back in the day, people used to go to school, study, become someone, get qualifications, get a good job, and start earning well. But we realise nepotism has taken over this country. People are occupying offices for 40 to 60 years. As they step out, they want to bring in their own children to take those offices,” Tuff B said.
According to the former TV personality, the prevalence of nepotism has shut out many young, qualified Ugandans from meaningful employment opportunities. He pointed out that some individuals have entrenched themselves in public offices for decades, with no plans to vacate except through death or retirement, often grooming their children to take over.
Tuff B added that many educated Ugandans are now turning to self-employment and small businesses, having given up on formal employment due to the barriers imposed by nepotism and corruption.
“Most educated people are jobless or running small businesses just to survive. Education alone no longer guarantees success in this country,” he said.
His remarks come amid Uganda’s soaring youth unemployment, one of the highest in the region, despite government efforts through initiatives like the Parish Development Model and Youth Livelihood Funds.
The Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) has consistently reported that thousands of graduates remain unemployed annually, fueling frustration among the youth who feel excluded from opportunities despite their qualifications.
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