Youth engaged in small businesses in Kawempe South have benefited from the Youth Wealth Creation Program, an initiative supported by the Presidential Household Initiative.
The program coordinator, Faizal Ndase, met 170 beneficiaries in Makerere Kavule and handed over various business items, including tailoring machines, cooking oil, Irish potatoes, cartons of wheat flour, salon equipment, and chapati-making stoves.
Launched in 2022 under the Office of the President through State House Comptroller Jane Barekye, the program targets 1,200 youth engaged in small-scale enterprises such as chapati making, chips frying, tailoring, salon work, and stove businesses.
Ndase revealed plans to extend the program to Kawempe North constituency. He emphasized that selection of beneficiaries is based on individual need rather than political affiliation.
He also advised youth to remain vigilant during the election season and vote for leaders who uplift communities.
One of the beneficiaries, Bumali Mawejje, expressed gratitude, saying the program had restored dignity to people whose work was often looked down upon.
“We thank President Museveni for supporting the initiative and we also appreciate the coordinators for being transparent,” Mawejje said.
Another beneficiary, Shakira Nakuya, a tailor who received two sewing machines, said she had doubted the program at first.
“I thought the registration was a scam but later confirmed its authenticity. I thank Jane Barekye for her concern for grassroots youth,” she said.
Grace Kembabazi, an official from the Presidential Household, commended Ndase for effectively managing the program and encouraged beneficiaries to use the resources responsibly, grow their businesses, and create jobs for others.
Before receiving the items, the youth were first trained and guided on business management, with emphasis on starting small and expanding gradually.