Youth criticise livelihood programme as MP advises them to become “dealers”

The ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development has come under criticism from a cross section of youth, who say the Youth Livelihood Programme has very difficult conditions which cannot easily be fulfilled.

This was disclosed during a national dialogue on Youth Financial Inclusion, held at Hotel Africana on Wednesday.

“The Youth Livelihood Program funding requires one to belong to a group of not less than 15 youth intending to carry out one particular project, which is very difficult because not all youth have got the same thinking capacity and commitment to carry out a successful business project”, said Yahaya Mwanje, Mbale youth chairman.

He said because of mistrust and dishonesty among the youth, many Youth Livelihood Projects have collapsed and the youth are failing to repay back the loans.

In another dramatic twist, Bonny Okello, Kole North Member of Parliament, advised the youth to be creative and learn to be “dealers”.

He said he became rich long before he became an MP by engaging in all sorts of income generating projects.

“Anything that brings money into my pockets, I will deal with it. That’s why people call me a dealer," he said. He advised the youth not to undermine any job, even if it’s selling cow dung.

Mondo Kyateka, the commissioner for Youth Affairs, in the ministry of Gender, Labor and Social Development, the ministry does not only run one youth program.

“The youth who are not comfortable with the Youth Livelihood Program should try the Youth Venture Capital Fund, which is accessed on individual basis”, he said.