President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has honored his commitment by delivering 36 motorcycles to 12 ghetto cooperative societies within the Kampala metropolitan area.
The motorcycles were handed over by the State House Comptroller, Ms. Jane Barekye, on Wednesday at a ceremony held at Gaza Tough Empire, a well-known ghetto structure in Bwaise. Each SACCO received three motorcycles.
The beneficiaries include Kawempe North Ghetto Cooperative Society Ltd, Masajja Para Zone Ghetto Youth Development Savings and Credit Cooperative Society Ltd, Kasokoso Ghetto Cooperative Society Ltd, Kawempe South Ghetto Cooperative Society Ltd, Makindye West Youths with Skills Cooperative Society Ltd, Kampala Kisenyi III Ghetto Savings and Credit Cooperative Society Ltd, Rubaga Kakeeka Zone Dwellers Cooperative Society Ltd, Nakawa Division Ghetto Cooperative Society Ltd, and Makindye East Ghetto Youth Multipurpose Cooperative Society Ltd. Also benefiting were Nansana Division Ghetto Savings and Credit Cooperative Society Ltd, Kasangati Ghetto Community Savings and Credit Cooperative Society, and Mukono Industrial Area Ghettos Savings and Credit Cooperative Society Ltd.
Ms. Barekye conveyed President Museveni’s message encouraging the ghetto youth to remain hardworking, disciplined, and patriotic. “The motorcycles you have received are meant to boost your SACCOs’ income and enhance your prosperity,” she emphasized.
This gesture follows a pledge made by President Museveni on July 31st, 2024, when he met with leaders of the ghetto SACCOs at State House Entebbe. During that meeting, he also fulfilled a promise of UGX 1.2 billion to the 12 SACCOs in the Kampala Metropolitan Area, allocating UGX 100 million to each SACCO. The funds were originally pledged at a meeting held at Kololo Independence Grounds last year.
“The UGX 100 million can significantly impact your lives. In rural areas, we encourage commercial farming; similarly, in urban settings, you should engage in small businesses, artisanal work, and service provision within your groups,” President Museveni advised the youths.
Ms. Barekye reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting the ghetto youths’ enterprises and urged SACCO leaders to maintain transparency and accountability. “The money provided by the President is intended to raise your standards of living by increasing your household incomes. We will monitor its use to ensure it serves its purpose of lifting you out of poverty,” she said.
Brig. Gen. Christopher Ddamulira, Director of Crime Intelligence and coordinator of the ghetto structure project, expressed gratitude to President Museveni for his support. He acknowledged the significant transformation within the ghetto communities over the past three years, attributing this change to the support and structure provided by the government. “Ghetto areas, once known for criminality, have now become hubs of progress and hard work, changing their negative image,” Brig. Gen. Ddamulira noted.
He encouraged the ghetto youth to remain disciplined and avoid harmful behaviors such as alcoholism, gambling, prostitution, and drug addiction.
Maj. Emmanuel Kuteesa, another coordinator of the ghetto structure project, informed Ms. Barekye that efforts are underway to ensure that ghetto youths obtain national identification cards, enabling them to open bank accounts and transition into serious businesspeople. “We are tracking the progress of those who have started income-generating projects,” Maj. Kuteesa reported.
Mr. Kalyango Shafik, National Chairman of Ghetto Structures, assured Ms. Barekye that the UGX 1.2 billion received in July 2024 is already being utilized by members. He expressed appreciation to President Museveni for recognizing the ghetto community and involving them in national development. “We are grateful for this opportunity. If we do not support the President, it would be a betrayal,” Mr. Kalyango stated, adding that their SACCOs are among the most active.
He also thanked Brig. Gen. Ddamulira and Maj. Kuteesa for their efforts in mobilizing ghetto youths, helping them transition from criminal activities to becoming responsible citizens. “You have shown the world that ghetto residents are important. These youths were not involved in crime by choice, but because no one was listening to them,” Mr. Kalyango remarked.
President Museveni has previously pointed out that the challenges faced by the ghetto communities stem from a disconnect between the educated elite and the uneducated, with both groups failing to hold their leaders accountable. During the July 31st meeting, he reassured the ghetto youths that the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government is committed to pro-people politics and works for the benefit of all Ugandans. He urged the youth to hold their leaders accountable and demand what is rightfully theirs.
The ceremony was attended by several officials, including Kawempe Division District Police Commander (DPC) SP Muwonge Abel, Wandegeya DPC SP Hiwumbire Hassan, and OC Operations Wandegeya, Ogwang Steven, among others.
