President Yoweri Museveni urged ghetto youth in Kawempe to be custodians of Uganda’s peace, calling it the bedrock of progress, service access, and personal advancement. He emphasized that safeguarding peace is not only a political duty but a practical investment in every citizen’s future.
Why Peace Matters to Development
Addressing a large gathering at Kawempe Mbogo Mosque Playground, the President highlighted that without peace, nothing can thrive. “There would be no schools, no hospitals, no jobs,” he said, emphasizing peace as the foundation for all other gains.
Museveni presented visual evidence of new construction in Kalangala and Kampala. He explained that even private development plays a role in national progress. “Every nail, every bag of cement is taxed—and that revenue pays for your healthcare, roads, and clean water,” he explained.
To underscore his point, he invited a woman with polio to speak. She confirmed she was born in 1974—well before NRM came into power. Museveni pointed out that since 1997, no child has contracted polio under his leadership unless their parents failed to immunize them. “This is what peace brings,” he said.
He then encouraged the youth to value the peace they currently enjoy. “If you’re unsure, look at countries where peace is missing. Compare their conditions to ours,” he urged.
Building Wealth Beyond Infrastructure
Government Funds in Kawempe Under Review
Museveni shifted to a topic close to home: economic empowerment. “A tarmac road alone doesn’t solve household problems,” he said. “Your house needs to be in order too.”
He shared that the government has sent over Shs 10 billion to Kawempe through the Parish Development Model (PDM) over the last four years. Each parish received Shs 100 million annually. “Kawempe is in Kampala, not Congo. Ask your local leaders where that money went,” he urged.
To ensure transparency, he announced that Hajjat Madinah Nsereko and Faridah Nambi would lead a team to audit the use of these funds. “I will support this committee fully because accountability is key,” Museveni added.
Poverty Requires Personal Action
Museveni reminded youth that national development provides tools, but individual effort creates wealth. “If you do nothing, you will remain poor—even if a road passes by your door,” he warned.
He recommended the Four-Acre Model, encouraging each family to cultivate food, coffee, fruits, and pasture, along with poultry or pigs. He cited Joseph Ijara from Serere as an example—Ijara began with 2.5 acres and now earns over Shs 800 million annually.
“You, too, can rise if you make the effort,” Museveni assured them.
Empowering Urban Youth Through Innovation
Entrepreneurship and Local Industries Matter
The President recognized that agriculture isn’t the only path to success. “In urban settings, trades and creativity can also build wealth,” he said. “Peace and stability provide the stage. The performance is yours.”
Minister Hajjat Minsa Kabanda praised the President’s focus on Kampala. She noted that PDM funds have helped families start new ventures, improve their homes, and educate their children.
Hajjat Madinah Nsereko also expressed gratitude for Museveni’s consistent support of ghetto youth, stating, “Your Excellency, your efforts have uplifted our communities.”
SACCOs Helping Reduce Crime and Create Jobs
Maj. Emma Kuteesa, the Presidential Coordinator for Ghetto Affairs, reported on progress made in youth organization. Following Museveni’s directive, 12 ghetto SACCOs were registered across Kampala with help from Gen. Ddamulira.
By July 2024, each SACCO had received Shs 100 million from the President, totaling Shs 1.2 billion. These funds spurred the launch of over 500 projects—ranging from welding workshops and poultry farms to creative industries like music and tailoring.
As a result, crime has decreased in ghetto neighborhoods. “These young people are no longer idle; they’re working, innovating, and contributing to society,” said Kuteesa.
He added that many youth now take part in leadership and civic initiatives. “Their energy is being used for development instead of destruction,” he said.
To dive deeper into related stories, explore the Rwanda-DRC Peace Agreement 2025, analysis on the least peaceful economies in Africa, and news on an NRM supporter shot in Kamuli and the Dokolo primaries violence plot. You can also read Museveni’s remarks about Nampa Harriet’s PDM success and see how police in Sembabule are securing the elections.