The Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Monica Musenero, has called on Ugandans of all ages to prepare for the challenges and opportunities of the fourth industrial revolution during National Career Day, scheduled for Friday, 20th March, at Kololo Independence Grounds.
Addressing the media, Musenero noted that the event is intended to provide career guidance and practical advice to youth, adults, and retirees seeking to navigate the rapidly evolving employment landscape.
“This year’s theme is ‘The Future of Work: Surviving the AI Era’.
However, Musenero explained that surviving is not enough and that the public must prosper in the face of technological disruption. She further stated that industrial revolutions, from the steam engine to artificial intelligence, have consistently transformed careers and rendered certain jobs obsolete.
Musenero mentioned six critical career focus areas: science creation, technology development, innovation, manufacturing, commercialization, and entrepreneurship. She called for the need to equip young people and adults with practical skills that can translate into sustainable employment and business opportunities.
She also urged participants to embrace lifelong learning. “Even those in their 40s, 50s, or retirees have decades ahead to apply their skills. Industrial revolutions require adaptation, this day provides a platform to explore new pathways,” she said.
Musenero also referenced past industrial revolutions to illustrate the importance of adaptation. She explained how the steam engine, electricity, internal combustion engines, and early electronic devices replaced old methods and professions but simultaneously created new industries and opportunities. She warned that the fourth industrial revolution, dominated by artificial intelligence and associated technologies, is producing a similar wave of disruption.
“Now we are in the fourth industrial revolution. Artificial intelligence and associated technologies are changing everything. A lot of careers are being rendered obsolete. It doesn’t matter whether you are educated or not, if you don’t adapt, your work may no longer be valuable,” Musenero explained.
The minister clarified the need for entrepreneurship, commercialization, and innovation as tools to create sustainable employment and generational businesses.
“Whatever profession or course you have learned, we need to commercialize. Build big businesses. Entrepreneurship is one of the most sought-after skills in Uganda right now among the young people,” she said.
The minister stated that career guidance should not be limited to students.
“Even adults who feel their professions are obsolete must engage. AI and emerging technologies are changing the way every sector operates, from media to manufacturing,” she said.
National Career Day will provide interactive discussion centres, workshops, and mentorship sessions, enabling participants to understand how to leverage science, technology, and entrepreneurship. Musenero encouraged all Ugandans, including organisations and institutions, to actively participate and contribute to building a vibrant science and innovation ecosystem in Uganda.
The National Career Day will feature key government leaders including President Yoweri Museveni, whom Musenero referred to as the “Fountain of Honour,” and First Lady and Minister of Education, Janet Museveni, who will provide educational guidance to participants. Musenero added that she will personally engage attendees to demonstrate how science and innovation can create opportunities for all Ugandans.