The Director of Crime Intelligence in the Uganda Police Force, Maj. Gen. Christopher Ddamulira, has credited the growing network of ghetto SACCOs in Jinja City for transforming lives and reducing crime in areas once known as hotspots.
While addressing youth leaders at Mafubira, Jinja City North Division on Friday, Maj. Gen. Ddamulira noted that government’s empowerment programmes had given ghetto youth real opportunities to improve their livelihoods, thereby reducing their involvement in criminal activities.
“The SACCOs are changing lives. Many young people who once had nothing are now working, earning, and contributing positively to society. We urge you to continue on this path, and we shall work with you to sustain peace in our communities,” he said.
Shs 100 million released to youth SACCOs
During the event, 12 ghetto youth SACCOs in Busoga subregion received over Shs 100 million to support members with business start-ups and income-generating activities.
The programme, launched by President Museveni in 2022, aims at boosting youth development while simultaneously addressing crime in ghetto communities.
Mafubira, previously one of Jinja’s most crime-ridden areas, is now being highlighted as a model of transformation.
Security agencies report a steady decline in crime since the introduction of the empowerment initiative.
“The progress in Jinja is a sign that when government works with youth, the results are visible. The SACCOs must remain accountable and ensure funds benefit the community,” Ddamulira added.
Leaders pledge more support
The First National Vice Chairman of NRM, Al-Hajji Moses Kigongo, who officiated as chief guest, urged the beneficiaries to use the funds productively and assured them that government would inject more resources into the programme.
Deputy Presidential Press Secretary, Hajji Farouk Kirunda, said the overwhelming response from the youth showed the importance of the initiative and called on government to expand its funding to meet the growing demand.
Resident City Commissioner, Hajji Hamis Kiganira, and veteran NRM leader Daudi Migereko also praised the programme for improving livelihoods and giving young people hope for a better future.
Youth vow to safeguard peace
The ghetto youth leaders pledged to use the funds responsibly, grow their enterprises, and support government’s efforts to keep Jinja secure.
They also appealed for more investment in the judiciary to speed up pending cases involving some of their peers.
The Mafubira engagement closed with renewed calls for discipline, accountability, and unity as the ghetto SACCOs continue to drive social and economic change in Jinja and beyond.
