President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni met with leaders of the ghetto SACCOs from the Kampala Metropolitan Area yesterday at State House Entebbe.
The delegation included 100 ghetto youth leaders who head 12 ghetto SACCOs in Kampala, Wakiso, and Mukono. The SACCO beneficiaries hail from various regions, including Rubaga Kakeeka Zone, Kasangati Ghetto Community, Kampala Central Division, Nakawa Division, Makindye East, Kawempe South, Makindye West, Kawempe North, Mukono Industrial Area, Kasokoso, Nansana Division, and Masajja Para Zone in Makindye.
During the meeting, President Museveni highlighted the significant role ghetto communities played in Uganda’s liberation. He explained that what are now known as “ghetto people” were referred to as “Abawejere” in the 1950s, with their activities centered around Katwe. He reminisced about his early connections with the ghetto, dating back to 1968, and underscored their historical importance in the country’s fight for independence.
The President recounted how, upon former President Idi Amin’s coup on January 25, 1971, he and other former students, with support from the Abawejere, initiated resistance efforts.
He shared stories of his contacts with the ghetto during this period, including key figures like Abbas Kibazo, and detailed their joint efforts against Amin’s regime.
Museveni also mentioned Ahmed Seguya from Katwe, a notable figure in their struggle who later became the first army commander during their second battle in 1981 against Obote.
Museveni reassured the ghetto youth of the NRM government’s commitment to pro-people policies and urged them to hold their leaders accountable. He pointed out the historical failure of educated elites to connect with the uneducated, which contributed to the challenges faced by ghetto communities.
The President emphasized the importance of local councils and MPs in ensuring government accountability and encouraged the youth to elect leaders who genuinely represent their interests.
He called on the ghetto youth to advocate for free education, prosperity for all, and to embrace government poverty alleviation programs like the Parish Development Model (PDM). Museveni also cautioned them against being manipulated by politicians with selfish motives, urging them to avoid illegal protests and criminal activities.
Fulfilling a previous promise, President Museveni provided Shs1.2 billion to the 12 ghetto SACCOs (Shs100 million each) in the Kampala Metropolitan Area. He advised the youth to invest in small businesses, artisanal work, and services such as salons to improve their livelihoods.
Minister of Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs, Hajjat Minsa Kabanda, thanked President Museveni for his support of the ghetto people, recognizing their contributions to Uganda’s development. She noted that many of the youth had been trained in SACCO management, leading to significant transformations.
Brig. Gen. Christopher Ddamulira, Director of Crime Intelligence and project coordinator, shared that the ghetto project started under Museveni’s guidance in March 2022.
The initiative, led by Hajjat Minsa Kabanda and State House Comptroller Ms. Jane Barekye, focused on creating leadership within the ghetto communities and organizing them into SACCOs. He reported that the project had successfully mobilized 3,280 savers who collectively saved Shs13.7 million, prior to the government’s financial contribution.
Ddamulira highlighted the positive impact of the project, noting a significant reduction in criminality and political violence in Kampala, Wakiso, and Mukono. He emphasized that the support from President Museveni would further enhance the project’s effectiveness.
Mr. Kalyango Shafik, leader of the ghetto youths, expressed gratitude to President Museveni for his financial and moral support. He confirmed the receipt of the Shs1.2 billion contribution to their ghetto SACCOs and thanked the team led by Gen. Ddamulira, Maj. Emma Kutesa, and Hajjat Minsa Kabanda for their continuous support and care for the ghetto communities.
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