Mengo Primary School playground in Rubaga Division turned into a hive of activity on Friday as ghetto youth leaders met with Maj. Gen. Christopher Ddamulira, the Director of Crime Intelligence and national coordinator of the Ghetto Youth Empowerment Program.
The meeting, also attended by the two Assistant Resident City Commissioners (RCCs) for Rubaga, the NRM Division Chairman, the District Internal Security Officer (DISO), and other community leaders, was convened to review progress under the presidential initiative aimed at transforming urban youth through skills training, entrepreneurship, and organized Savings and Credit Cooperative Societies (SACCOs).
Maj. Gen. Ddamulira said the program is already delivering visible results in Rubaga and other divisions of Kampala.
“We have noted reduced crime levels in the area, economic empowerment of youth through SACCOs, and their active participation in leadership structures,” he said. “Many of you contested and won positions in youth elections, which demonstrates that empowerment is not only economic but also civic.”
Launched in 2022, the government program has injected billions of shillings into ghetto SACCOs across Kampala Metropolitan to support small enterprises in carpentry, tailoring, beekeeping, and crafts. In Rubaga alone, hundreds of young people have received start-up capital, with many reporting improved livelihoods and a reduced reliance on crime.
Ddamulira, however, cautioned the youth against being used for political manipulation as Uganda heads into another heated electoral season.
“I appeal to you to completely reject acts of political violence and criminality. Instead, let us promote peace throughout the election period and beyond,” he urged.
The ghetto youth initiative has been credited with bridging gaps between security agencies and marginalized urban communities. Earlier this year, Buganda Kingdom’s Katikkiro, Charles Peter Mayiga, commended Ddamulira for rehabilitating many youth once associated with gangs and crime.
Friday’s Rubaga meeting reaffirmed government’s commitment to sustain funding and mentorship for the ghetto youth.
“The future of our country rests in your hands. Choose peace, productivity, and responsibility,” Ddamulira concluded.
