From hustle to hope, how Ugandan youths survive on gigs

In Uganda’s fast-changing economy, a new type of worker is on the rise. They are not the office-bound employees of the past, but young enterprising individuals hustling their way through the gig economy.

With traditional job markets shrinking and unemployment rates among youth sky-high, these young Ugandans are surviving and often thriving by taking on freelance work, contract gigs, and multiple side hustles.

The gig economy has become a lifeline, providing flexibility and freedom that traditional jobs simply cannot offer. It’s a world where skills, ambition, and hard work are rewarded with opportunities, and Uganda’s youth are jumping on board in large numbers.

Whether they’re boda boda riders delivering goods, tech-savvy freelancers building websites, or creatives designing logos, Uganda’s youth are rewriting the rules of employment.

A new kind of workforce

At the heart of this transformation is technology. Digital platforms like SafeBoda, Jumia, and Upwork have opened up a wealth of opportunities for Ugandan youth, offering them the chance to work on their own terms.

For Nakakeeto Sylvia, a 24-year-old digital marketer and freelance writer, this world is nothing short of a game-changer.

“Before I found freelancing, I was stuck in a cycle of job searching, worrying about where my next paycheck would come from,” Nakakeeto shares. “Now, I have the flexibility to work from anywhere, take on different projects, and create my own schedule. I feel empowered knowing I don’t have to rely on a traditional employer to survive.”

Her story echoes the experience of thousands of young Ugandans who have turned to the gig economy for income and independence.

For many, freelancing has become more than just a job; it’s a lifestyle. The freedom to take control of their financial future is something that would have been unimaginable for previous generations.

Brian, a 27-year-old graphic designer, sees freelancing as the key to unlocking his potential. “In the traditional job market, there are so many barriers to entry—especially for young people. Without connections or formal education, it’s tough to break through. But with freelancing, I can showcase my talent and get hired for my skills. I don’t need anyone’s permission to start making money.”

The flexibility factor

The gig economy offers one major advantage over traditional employment: flexibility. Workers can choose when and where to work, making it possible to balance multiple projects or combine different income streams. For David, a 22-year-old SafeBoda rider, flexibility is everything.

“I don’t have to wait for a boss to tell me when I can work. I just log in and start picking up jobs whenever I want,” David explains. “It’s not always easy, but it’s better than waiting around for a job that may never come. This way, I’m always doing something, always earning.”

This flexibility has allowed many Ugandans to survive in an environment where permanent jobs are hard to come by. Young people who once struggled to find employment are now able to support themselves by tapping into the gig economy, taking advantage of Uganda’s growing mobile phone and internet penetration.

The double-edged sword of freelancing

But while the gig economy offers freedom, it also comes with its own set of challenges. Inconsistent pay, lack of benefits, and zero job security are common problems faced by gig workers across Uganda.

Unlike permanent employees, freelancers don’t enjoy the stability of a fixed salary, paid leave, or healthcare benefits. This uncertainty often makes it difficult for them to plan for the future or build long-term financial security.

“I have good weeks and bad weeks,” says Sarah Lule, a freelance writer and content creator. “One week, I might land a big project and earn enough to cover my expenses. But next week, I could be struggling to find work. There’s no guarantee of steady income, so you always have to be hustling.”

The lack of regulation in Uganda’s gig economy further exacerbates these challenges. Freelancers are left vulnerable to exploitation, with little legal protection or recourse if clients fail to pay.

Despite the growing number of workers relying on gig jobs, the government has yet to implement policies that protect their rights or ensure fair compensation.

“We need more support,” Lule further explains. “The gig economy is providing opportunities, but it’s not a sustainable model without proper safeguards. The government needs to recognize the contributions of gig workers and create a framework that offers them security and stability.”

Despite these challenges, Uganda’s youth are optimistic about the future of the gig economy. For many, it represents a chance to take control of their lives in ways that weren’t possible before. With the right skills and determination, they believe they can build successful, sustainable careers through freelancing.

“The traditional job market has failed us,” Brian Kitimbo another youth argues. “The gig economy gives us hope. We’re not waiting for someone to give us a job—we’re creating our own.”

The numbers back up this sentiment. A recent survey found that more than 60% of Ugandan youth are engaged in some form of gig work, whether as part-time freelancers or full-time contractors. And with internet access improving and mobile technology becoming more accessible, the gig economy is expected to grow even further in the coming years.

For now, Uganda’s youth will continue to hustle, adapting to the demands of the gig economy while dreaming of a more secure future. And as they do, they’re laying the groundwork for a new way of working that could change the country’s economic landscape for generations to come.

The gig economy is not just a trend—it’s the future of work in Uganda. And for many young people, it represents not just a means of survival, but a symbol of hope.