While visiting Bwaise, a densely populated suburb of Kampala, President Yoweri Museveni pledged to allocate Shs1 billion to each ghetto structure across Uganda—a move aimed at addressing the shortcomings of the rural-oriented Parish Development Model (PDM), which urban youth say has failed them.
Braving heavy rain, the President toured several grassroots projects operated by youth under the Ghetto Structure Initiative, a program run separately from PDM and coordinated by Maj. Gen. Christopher Damulira and Maj. Ema Kuteesa. The businesses showcased included water supply services, fuel vending, charcoal trading, signage art, and cosmetics—all funded through SACCOs established by the initiative, with most youth having started with as little as Shs500,000.
Click here to join our WhatsApp Group and Receive Daily News
Despite the limited funding, many beneficiaries reported significant improvements in their livelihoods. One entrepreneur, for example, now supplies water to 50 households daily. However, leaders of the initiative stressed that the growing demand in urban settlements far exceeds current resources.
In response, President Museveni admitted that the PDM’s rural focus had left urban youth behind and announced plans for a new funding model targeting urban communities. Promising Shs1 billion per ghetto, compared to Shs100 million per parish under the PDM, Museveni emphasized the potential of youth who have already demonstrated resilience and innovation.
He further committed to streamlining funding by channeling resources directly from the national budget and raising the loan limits available under the Ghetto Structure program, which he said would help youth expand their businesses.
Alongside these policy pledges, Museveni made a political appeal, urging youth to support NRM candidates in the 2026 elections to ensure better representation of their needs. He was gifted a hand-painted portrait by the youth, prompting him to pledge increased investment in urban arts and talent development.
This initiative marks a significant shift in NRM’s campaign strategy, reflecting an increased focus on urban areas where economic inequality and youth unemployment have become pressing political concerns.
Also Read: Amama Mbabazi’s Daughter Wanted Over Unpaid Shs 450m Loan
