Abstract:
The study investigated the effect of life skills on youth empowerment to practice entrepreneurship in
Uganda. It focused on 12 community-based associations recognized by the Community Development
Offices in Busoga Region including Bugiri, Mayuge, Luuka, Bugweri, Buyende, and Kaliro. The
specific objectives were; (1) to determine the relationship between the personal skills developed and
youth empowerment to practice entrepreneurship; (2) to assess the relationship between developed
social roles and youth empowerment to practice entrepreneurship; and (3) to analyze the effect of
common family values on youth empowerment to practice entrepreneurship. A survey questionnaire
approach was used for data collection from the different youths who were registered members in 12
community-based associations.
The study reveals that social roles developed have a positive and significant influence on youth
empowerment to practice entrepreneurship (β = .662, t = 5. 636, p = 0.0001). Similarly, family
values were found to have a significant influence on the youth empowerment to practice
entrepreneurship (β = .370, t = 3.311, p < 0.0001). On the contrary, it is also revealed here that the
current personal skills emphasized in the youths today have a negative influence on their
empowerment to practice entrepreneurship (β = -.318, t = 6.576, p < 0.0001).
It was concluded therefore that there is need for both parents and educators to integrate life skills
which focus on problem solving, decision making, creative and critical thinking, effective
communication, empathy, self-awareness, coping with stress and emotions, among others.
Meanwhile, both the government and parents have a gargantuan task to ensure that appropriate
personal skills relevant to entrepreneurship practice are inculcated in the youths because the present
have negative impact on entrepreneurship development initiative.
Keywords: Life skills, Entrepreneurship, Social Roles, Personal Skills, Family Values
