A group of youth, donned in orange reflector jackets and armed with paint brushes, have taken to the streets of Kampala to paint critical roads like Nile Avenue. The initiative, led by Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), aims to provide employment opportunities for the youth while beautifying the city ahead of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) summit. The youth, working in 12-hour shifts, expect to earn shillings 3,000 for every foot of pavement they paint.
Patrick Muliwa, a 20-year-old participant, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to work rather than resorting to crime or remaining idle. The paint is provided by KCCA, and safety measures, including reflector jackets, are in place. Bashir Masana, another painter, highlighted the importance of safety, especially on weekends when drivers from entertainment spots may be less sober.
The Non-Aligned Movement spokesperson, Muhumuza Nuwabiine, noted that about shillings 30 billion has been allocated for infrastructural works as part of NAM summit preparations. Many of the employed youth are school dropouts or have painting skills, and the initiative has provided them with meaningful work.
KCCA spokesperson Simon Kasyate explained that the street painting initiative is part of the beautification efforts for the NAM summit, emphasizing the aim to provide decent pay for the participating youth. The urgency to complete the painting work has raised concerns about potential compromises in the quality of the finished product. However, Muhumuza argued that the completion timeline aligns with cultural practices, and routine maintenance is ongoing to ensure the city’s readiness for the summit.
