This study aimed to investigate the major causes of unemployment among the youth in Mabira Town Council, Kyenjojo District, Western Uganda. Unemployment has been a persistent challenge facing the youth in the area for many years. A cross-sectional study design was employed where both quantitative and qualitative data were collected to comprehensively understand this issue from different perspectives. Through a survey questionnaire, primary data was gathered from 380 randomly selected youths in the town council regarding their educational background, skills training, job-seeking attitudes and challenges faced. Additionally, 20 key informant interviews were conducted with local leaders and administrators to gain insights from their governance role in the community. The findings revealed that lack of practical vocational skills necessary for available job opportunities was the leading cause of unemployment reported by 71% of the youth respondents. This was attributed to the community prioritizing academic education over skills training as well as inadequate facilities and funding for vocational institutions. Secondly, the study uncovered that 64% of unemployed youth lacked start-up capital required to establish their own businesses due to limited access to affordable loans. Corruption and nepotism during recruitment in the few existing companies and organizations also emerged as another major challenge according to 59% of respondents. Furthermore, the interviews with leaders validated these quantitative results and added that poor road network inhibiting movement of goods and services exacerbated the problem.