The grounds of the Uganda School for the Deaf in Ntinda were transformed into a vibrant hub of professional exchange last Thursday as the inaugural Talent Without Limit Career Fair brought together over 400 determined job seekers and 28 employers committed to inclusive hiring.
Organized by BrighterMonday Uganda in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, the event was held in collaboration with Light for the World, NUDIPU, and the National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD). Under the banner of the Gen-Kazi Programme, the fair focused on unlocking the vast potential of professionals with disabilities, ensuring they have a direct seat at the table with recruiters who value diverse talent.
The Economic Case for Inclusion
Talent Without Limit Career Fair, Uganda School for The Deaf, Ntinda
The fair comes at a critical time for Uganda’s labor market. While the country boasts a young and dynamic workforce, various data shows that persons with disabilities are often twice as likely to be unemployed compared to those without. Furthermore, excluding this talent pool is estimated to cost African economies between 3% and 7% of their GDP in lost productivity.
By facilitating a space where 28 major employers could engage directly with over 400 qualified candidates, the Gen-Kazi Programme is addressing a significant “information friction” in the market—where employers struggle to find skilled talent and professionals with disabilities struggle to access inclusive workplaces.
A Call for Mindset Shifts
Jeff Luboga, Head of Workforce, Gen-Kazi Programme, BrighterMonday Uganda
The event opened with powerful calls to action. Jeff Luboga, Head of Workforce at BrighterMonday Uganda, urged participants to step into their power. “Opportunities favor the brave,” Luboga noted, encouraging attendees to confidently showcase their expertise.
Silvester Kasozi, Country Director at Light for the World
Silvester Kasozi, Country Director at Light for the World, challenged the traditional corporate perspective, emphasizing that hiring from this talent pool is a strategic business move. “Employing people with disabilities isn’t a favor; it’s a competitive advantage,” Kasozi stated. “True inclusion isn’t about being nice; it’s about being smart enough to value talent in every form.”
Removing Barriers to Entry
Naomi Akwee, the Disability Inclusion Facilitator (DIF) for Light for the World
The fair addressed the systemic hurdles that often keep skilled individuals on the sidelines. Naomi Akwee, the Disability Inclusion Facilitator (DIF) for Light for the World, delivered a firm message to the employers, noting that progress begins with how a company views potential.
“When you change your attitude, you can remove all the barriers,” Akwee remarked, emphasizing that an inclusive workforce starts with a shift in perspective.
This sentiment was echoed by the Equal Opportunities Commission, which addressed the challenges many still face during recruitment. “Employers still deny opportunities to persons with disabilities once they learn of their disability,” the Commission stated. “We call for equal access to employment… Disability should never be used as an excuse to deny someone a job when they are qualified.”
Empowerment Through Technology
Beyond immediate job matching, the fair highlighted long-term growth through digital accessibility. Lillian Namukasa, Programme Manager at the National Secretariat for Special Interest Groups (Council for Persons with Disabilities), shared details on infrastructure available through a partnership with the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC).
“We have established ICT Hubs for persons with disabilities in the different regions,” Namukasa shared. “Take advantage of these and enhance your skills. Access the internet for innovation, research, and development.”
A Milestone for Gen-Kazi
The success of the Talent Without Limit Career Fair marks a significant milestone for the Gen-Kazi Programme. By focusing on capability rather than constraints, BrighterMonday Uganda and its partners are proving that an inclusive labor market isn’t just a social goal, it is an economic necessity.