On Wednesday, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni met with leaders of ghetto SACCOs (Savings and Credit Cooperative Organizations) in the Kampala Metropolitan Area at State House Entebbe.
The group comprised 100 youth leaders representing 12 ghetto SACCOs across Kampala, Wakiso, and Mukono districts. The SACCOs serve residents from various regions, including Rubaga Kakeeka Zone, Kasangati Ghetto Community, and divisions such as Kampala Central, Nakawa, Makindye, Kawempe, Mukono, Kasokoso, Nansana, and Masajja Para Zone.
During the meeting, President Museveni highlighted the historical significance of ghetto communities in Uganda’s liberation struggle. He traced the roots of these communities back to the 1950s, referring to them as “Abawejere,” who were instrumental in the fight for Uganda’s independence. He recounted his own connections with these communities, emphasizing that his involvement dates back to 1968.
The President recounted the resistance against former President Idi Amin following the coup on January 25, 1971. He explained how he, along with others, including Abawejere leaders, decided to oppose Amin’s regime, which culminated in their escape to Tanzania to meet Mwalimu Nyerere and launch a resistance movement. Museveni stressed the importance of maintaining the unity of purpose, which he claimed was a key factor in their success.
Museveni assured the ghetto youth that the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government remains committed to advocating for the interests of all Ugandans, focusing on politics of interest rather than identity. He urged the youth to hold their leaders accountable and to utilize the democratic structures in place, such as the election of Local Council (LC) representatives and Members of Parliament (MPs), to ensure their voices are heard.
He also encouraged the ghetto youth to take advantage of government programs aimed at poverty alleviation, such as the Parish Development Model (PDM), and to avoid being manipulated by politicians with selfish motives. The President emphasized the importance of education and economic empowerment, urging the youth to engage in productive activities like small businesses and commercial farming.
To support the SACCOs, President Museveni fulfilled a promise of Shs1.2 billion (approximately $320,000), distributing Shs100 million to each of the 12 SACCOs. This financial support aims to enable the SACCOs to develop small businesses and improve the economic conditions of their members.
The meeting was attended by several key figures, including the Minister of Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs, Hajjat Minsa Kabanda, who thanked the President for his support and highlighted the transformative impact of the SACCOs. Brigadier General Christopher Ddamulira, Director of Crime Intelligence and project coordinator, provided an update on the project, noting that it has successfully reduced criminality in the targeted areas.
Ghetto youth leaders expressed their gratitude to the President for his continued support. They affirmed their commitment to working with the government for the socio-economic transformation of Uganda. They also requested consideration under the PDM program, which President Museveni promised to address.
The meeting was also attended by State House Comptroller Jane Barekye, Maj. Emma Kutesa, Dr. Hillary Musoke Kisanja, and Nansana Deputy RDC, Mr. Shafiq Ali Nsubuga.