In a recent gathering to commemorate International Youth Day on October 20, 2023, youth and leaders in Nakawa Division voiced their grievances against government officials, accusing them of injecting political considerations into the implementation of government empowerment programs. The programs in question include Emyooga, Youth Livelihood Programme (YLP), and the Parish Development Model (PDM).
The Speaker of Nakawa Division, Mr. Godfrey Luyombya, disclosed that his office has documented instances where young individuals were subjected to scrutiny regarding their political beliefs during the registration process for government programs. This scrutiny, he claimed, had resulted in the exclusion of many opposition supporters from accessing government funds.
Mr. Luyombya stressed the importance of government serving all citizens regardless of their political affiliations, asserting that it was unjust to withhold empowerment funds from Nakawa’s youth based on their political inclinations. He also expressed concern that the practice of politically biased beneficiary selection hindered the progress of government programs, as it created the perception that these funds were distributed as tokens of appreciation for supporting the NRM (National Resistance Movement).
Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) has emerged as one of the regions with poor performance in the execution of government empowerment programs. An illustrative example is the recovery of only Shs1.2 billion out of the Shs4.6 billion disbursed under the YLP within KCCA.
During the same event, Mr. Ronald Balimwezo, the MP for Nakawa East, called for a shift in approach, advocating for the development of youths’ skills rather than simply providing financial aid.
“The youth are our greatest resource, but if they lack skills, preparation, and empowerment, Uganda’s future is at risk. We may not only need to give them money, but they require skills and a good education,” Mr. Balimwezo stated. He reiterated the necessity of reporting public officials involved in the improper management of government empowerment funds, emphasizing the need to address criminal cases and corruption.
Mr. Kabuye Kyofatogabye, the State Minister for KCCA and Metropolitan Affairs, served as the chief guest at the ceremony. He categorically declared it illegal for any public officer to introduce political elements into government’s empowerment programs. He encouraged those affected by such practices to report them directly to his office and advised everyone to follow the proper procedures for accessing these funds.
Furthermore, Mr. Kyofatogabye underscored the value of education as the primary path to success, urging individuals to utilize available educational opportunities and acquire the necessary skills while awaiting government support.
In response to these allegations, some of Nakawa’s youth shared their personal experiences:
- Mr. John Paul Mawejje, a resident of the ghettos, lamented that many less-educated youths were excluded from government programs as government officials primarily used English language during sensitization efforts, which left them unable to participate.
- Ms. Annet Nakulima revealed that her support for the opposition, particularly People Power, led to her being denied membership in the PDM Sacco, with other Sacco members fearing that her affiliation could hinder their access to funds.
