On July 31, 2024, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni met with leaders of the ghetto Savings and Credit Cooperative Organizations (SACCOs) at State House Entebbe. This meeting included 100 youth leaders representing 12 ghetto SACCOs in the Kampala Metropolitan Area, covering regions such as Kampala, Wakiso, and Mukono. The ghetto SACCOs serve communities from areas including Rubaga Kakeeka, Kasangati, Kampala Central Division, Nakawa, Makindye East, Kawempe South, Makindye West, Kawempe North, Mukono Industrial, Kasokoso, Nansana Division, and Masajja Para Zone in Makindye.
During the meeting, President Museveni highlighted the historical significance of the ghetto community in Uganda’s liberation struggle. He recounted that in the 1950s, those referred to as “ghetto people” were known as “Abawejere” and were centered in Katwe. He noted that the Uganda National Congress, a key player in the fight for independence, operated from Katwe, and prominent figures such as Dr. I.K. Musazi and Dr. Barnabas Kunuka were involved.
President Museveni shared his personal connection with the ghetto community, recalling his own involvement starting in 1968. He emphasized that his interaction with the ghetto was not a recent development but part of his long-standing commitment to the community. The President detailed his role in resisting former President Idi Amin’s regime and his subsequent involvement with the Abawejere in the fight against Amin.
He reiterated the National Resistance Movement’s (NRM) commitment to serving all Ugandans and encouraged the ghetto youths to hold their leaders accountable. The President attributed the problems faced by the ghetto to the failure of the educated elite to address issues and the need for more effective leadership structures. He mentioned the introduction of Local Councils (LCs) and elected Members of Parliament (MPs) to enhance accountability and urged the ghetto community to utilize their voting power effectively.
In his address, President Museveni urged the ghetto youths to advocate for broader societal benefits, such as free education and prosperity, and to engage with government poverty alleviation programs like the Paris Development Model (PDM). He warned against involvement in criminal activities and illegal protests.
The President fulfilled his promise by allocating Shs1.2 billion to the 12 ghetto SACCOs, with each SACCO receiving Shs100 million. He encouraged the youths to invest in small businesses and services to improve their livelihoods.
Minister of Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs, Hajjat Minsa Kabanda, expressed appreciation for President Museveni’s support, emphasizing that it demonstrates the inclusion of the ghetto community in national development. Brigadier General Christopher Ddamulira, the Director of Crime Intelligence and project coordinator, noted that the ghetto SACCO project, launched in March 2022, has seen significant progress. He reported that the SACCOs now have 3,280 savers and have managed to accumulate Shs13.7 million from their own savings. He highlighted the project’s positive impact on reducing crime rates and political violence in the region.
Mr. Kalyango Shafik, a leader among the ghetto youths, thanked President Museveni for his financial and moral support, confirming that the funds had been received. He also expressed gratitude to the project coordinators for their efforts in transforming the ghetto community.
Ms. Nakalema Jackie, Vice Chairperson of the ghetto youths in the Kampala metropolitan area, requested that the ghetto be considered for special inclusion in the PDM program, citing perceptions of their financial unreliability. President Museveni promised to address this request with the relevant authorities.
The meeting was attended by several key figures, including State House Comptroller Ms. Jane Barekye, Maj. Emma Kutesa, Dr. Hillary Musoke Kisanja, and Nansana Deputy RDC Mr. Shafiq Ali Nsubuga.
