Socio-Demographic Differentials in Employment among Ugandan Migrant Youths

Abel Nzabona, Centre For Basic Research, Kampala

The objective of the study was to analyse socio-demographic differentials in employment among migrant youths in Uganda. It used secondary survey data collected in nine districts of the country. Two rural districts were randomly selected from each of the four broad national regions while Kampala City was purposively selected, owing to its status as largest destination of in-migrants. A sample of 1157 migrant youths was selected and proportionately allocated to the 9 districts. Chi-square and multinomial regression were used in analysis of sociodemographic differentials. Findings indicate that age, sex and marital status were significant predictors of employment status. ‘Older youths’ were more likely to be self-employed and regular employees than younger ones. The odds of being self-employed and paid casual worker were consistently lower for females than males. The sex differentials in employment status call for strengthening interventions that reduce disproportionate opportunities between male and female youths.