MJAAR

Awakening the Giant: Reorienting Ugandan Youth from the Illusion of Time to the Imperative of the "Hot Iron

Dr. Arinaitwe Julius, Ahumuza Audrey


Abstract

This mixed-methods study investigated factors contributing to temporal complacency among Ugandan youth and developed a framework for reorienting them toward immediate engagement with opportunities. With 78% of Uganda's 47 million people under age 30, the country possesses significant demographic potential that remains largely unrealized due to pervasive beliefs that opportunities remain indefinitely available. Using a convergent parallel design conducted between March and November 2024 across four Ugandan regions, the study employed quantitative surveys (N=412) measuring temporal orientation, self-efficacy, and opportunity-seizing behaviors alongside qualitative interviews (n=48) and focus group discussions (n=12) exploring cultural narratives and behavioral patterns among youth aged 18-35. One-way ANOVA revealed significant urban-rural differences in opportunity action (F=71.24, p

Keywords

Youth
Metropolitan Journal of Academic and Applied Research

Cite This Article

Dr. Arinaitwe Julius & Ahumuza Audrey (2025). Awakening the Giant: Reorienting Ugandan Youth from the Illusion of Time to the Imperative of the "Hot Iron. Metropolitan Journal of Academic and Applied Research, 4(1). https://journals.miu.ac.ug/pages/article.php?article_id=122

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