While meeting with the ghetto youth leadership in the city, the Deputy RCC of Fort Portal Central, Mr. Businge Emmanuel, assured ghetto dwellers that no government program excludes anyone based on their background. He emphasized that the President himself has roots in the ghetto, making him a leader who considers the interests of all citizens.
The ghetto leaders expressed concerns about discrimination in accessing programs such as the Parish Development Model (PDM), Emyooga, Youth Skilling, and the Youth Livelihood Program (YLP). In response, the DRCC Businge pledged to consistently provide information about these government initiatives, now that the city’s ghetto leadership is well-established and structured. He also promised to allocate special slots for ghetto youth in every intake at the Youth Industrial Hub to help them harness their potential.
Addressing the common stereotype that associates ghettos with criminality, the DRCC urged the leadership to collaborate with the police and other security agencies to combat crime and demonstrate that ghettos are not centers of criminal activity.
Mr. Lowen Keith, the Fire Ghetto President, called on the government to introduce affirmative programs tailored for the growing ghetto population in Fort Portal City. He highlighted their potential to contribute to the socio-economic transformation agenda of President Museveni and reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the government.
Ghetto members engage in various trades, including metal welding, carpentry, boda boda transport, music, and art, among others. Therefore, there is a pressing need for support, particularly in accessing capital to expand their businesses.
