Labour Day: Bishop Muhiirwa Urges Youth to Embrace Vocational Skills

As the nation marked International Workers’ Day, yesterday the Bishop of Fort Portal, Rt Rev. Robert K. Muhiirwa Akiiki, has called on young people to change their mindset towards what they often describe as “dirty jobs,” such as mechanics, plumbing, and hairdressing, and instead embrace vocational skills as a way to overcoming unemployment.

The Bishop made the call during celebrations of the Brothers of St. Joseph the Worker, an institution whose charism centers on the sanctification of daily labour, quiet humility, and faithful stewardship.

Reflecting on the life of Jesus Christ, Bishop Muhiirwa reminded the faithful that Christ Himself engaged in manual work alongside His foster father, Saint Joseph, in carpentry. He emphasized that even as Christ fulfilled His divine mission, He also dignified human labour through hard work.

The Bishop expressed concern over the high unemployment rate in Uganda, estimated at 30 % according to the recent national population census, with the youth being the most affected.

He noted that unemployment is largely driven by the tendency of many young people to overlook available and well-paying jobs that require practical skills, often dismissing them as inferior and dirty.

He therefore called for a change of mindset among the youth, urging them to embrace dignity in labour as a Christian value. He also encouraged the faithful to take responsibility for caring for creation through practical actions such as tree planting and proper disposal of plastics, in line with the Church’s call to environmental stewardship.

Meanwhile, during the same celebrations, City Councilor Hon. Traxier Komuntale expressed concern over what she described as increasing idleness among some youth, who are unwilling to work yet seek easy living.

She warned that such attitudes often lead to harmful behaviors, including theft and unproductive lifestyles.

She urged young people to make good use of their energy and time by engaging in productive activities that can secure their future.

 Hon. Komuntale also commended the newly professed brothers for choosing to serve God in a world increasingly marked by materialism and temptation.

On her part, Mrs. Maria Kasaija, wife to the Minister of Finance Matia Kasaija, called on parents to raise their children within the Church so as to nurture vocations and inspire them to serve God. She expressed concern over the growing tendency of fathers neglecting their role in raising children, leaving the responsibility largely to mothers.

She further commended the Brothers of St. Joseph the Worker for their dedicated service, especially in areas where priests may not easily reach, and praised the strong collaboration between the brothers and clergy across different dioceses.