Factors Contributing to Youth-bulge Related Crime in Uganda

This thesis examines the complex problem of youth bulge-related crime in Uganda, emphasizing the role played by migration from rural to urban areas, urbanization, and unemployment. At an average yearly growth rate of approximately 3.29%, Uganda boasts one of the highest population growth rates globally. With a mean age of barely 19, the nation also has one of the youngest populations in the world. Of the overall population of the nation, 31.2 million are under 30 years old, making up 78% of the population. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study combined surveys and quantitative data analysis with qualitative interviews. With a focus on Kampala City and utilizing information from primary and secondary sources, the study's conclusions highlight the intricate interactions between these factors and how they affect youth engagement in criminal activity. The study findings indicate that high levels of unemployment among the youth; youth rural-urban migration and conditions of urbanization that the youth are exposed to are the driving factors forcing the youth to engage in youth bulge related criminal activities manifested through political riots, robbery and theft, among others. Based on the data, it was determined that the Ugandan government's inability to take advantage of the youth bulge and turn it into a productive labor force for socioeconomic transformation instead has the unfavorable effect of encouraging youth-related criminal activity.
The study proffers a raft of recommendations that the government and policy makers may consider so as to reap dividends from the existing youth bulge. These include reforming the education curriculum so as to produce education graduates with technical and professional skills required in the job market; providing startup capital for the youth; establishment of business incubation centers to support business start ups by the youth; and institutionalizing the National Youth Service from where the youth are given lifelong skills training to shape them into productive citizens for national development is critical. Key words: National Youth Service, youth development and youth-bulge