Ghetto youths from Kampala Central Division have expressed their frustration to Hajjat Minsa Kabanda, the Minister of Kampala and Metropolitan Affairs, over the failure to access livelihood funds donated by President Yoweri Museveni to support ghetto structures.
In July, President Museveni donated UGX 1.2 billion to 100 leaders from 12 SACCOS representing ghetto youth structures in Kampala, Wakiso, and Mukono. These funds were intended to benefit youths in areas such as Kawempe, Kasokoso, Makindye, Kamwokya, Nansana, and Kisenyi, among others. During a two-day retreat at Kaazi Scouts Grounds organized by Minister Kabanda, the youths revealed their grievances.
They claimed the funds, meant to support their economic ventures, were mishandled or diverted by leaders of the ghetto structures. Eric Mubiru, a welder from Bukesa, shared his struggle to access the funds. Despite teaming up with fellow welders to enhance their workshops, their efforts were unsuccessful.
Barigye Simon, a groundnut hawker from Kamwokya, accused leaders of recruiting outsiders who were not part of the ghetto structures to benefit from the money. He lamented the wasted resources and efforts to mobilize youths, only to be excluded.
Expedito Lukwago from Nakasero IV Parish explained that after submitting their names for funding, they were asked to save UGX 10,000 to access UGX 500,000. However, loan request forms were never provided, leaving them frustrated.
The youths, many unable to save money upfront, asked the minister to ease access to the funds to help them start businesses and improve their livelihoods. Minister Kabanda pledged to investigate how the funds were distributed and ensure they benefit the intended recipients.
The youths also noted limited access to government livelihood programs and a lack of information on available initiatives. Kabanda acknowledged that some youth leaders were inactive in disseminating these opportunities, emphasizing the retreat’s purpose of educating youths on government programs.
NRM Vice-Chairperson for Buganda, Godfrey Kiwanda Ssuubi, encouraged the youths to prioritize their health and avoid drug abuse.
The retreat featured trainers such as Frank Rusa Nyakaana, Acting Kampala Executive Director; Salim Uhuru, Kampala Central Mayor; and Bishop Joshua Lwere of Grace Church. They urged the youths to stay committed to initiatives that promote personal and community development-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
