Ghetto youth in Hoima City have expressed concern over what they describe as long-standing neglect in accessing government financial programmes, including the Presidential Ghetto Youth Funds and the Parish Development Model (PDM). The groups say they have repeatedly been treated as “minor categories” unworthy of benefiting from initiatives meant to improve livelihoods.
The Presidential Ghetto Youth Funds were introduced by President Museveni as part of wealth-creation efforts targeting urban youth. Under the programme, organised groups can access financial support for small-scale income-generating projects, often through Savings and Credit Cooperatives (SACCOs).
However, members of ghetto youth associations in Hoima say they have struggled for years to access the funds despite meeting the requirements.
Godfrey Kyomugisa, chairman of Kisweka Village ghetto youth, said they run several projects including crop farming, livestock rearing and weekly saving schemes.
“We have over four acres of maize, a cabbage garden, more than seven pigs, five cows, and we save weekly. If government can support us, we can do much better,” he said.
Kyomugisa added that the projects were started to promote unity and hard work among the youth, and to show that they can be responsible citizens. He questioned why government continues to ignore them despite their efforts.
“We also participate in community work, including road maintenance. We contribute to development. Why then are we excluded?” he asked.
During a meeting with Hoima East Division Assistant Resident City Commissioner (RCC) Barnabas Tugume in Kiryatete East Cell, Johnson Mwesigwa, chairman of Kiryatete 2 ghetto youth, said their group of 210 members with savings of over Shs3 million has never been considered for any government financial programme.
“Our savings are meant to uplift us, but we need additional support to grow our businesses and save even more. We have formed associations as required, but access to funds is still denied,” he said.
Addressing the youth, RCC Tugume said the government remains committed to supporting citizens but urged them to continue organising themselves and strengthening their savings culture to qualify for funding.
He confirmed that the Presidential Ghetto Youth Funds exist, adding that his office will continue engaging the groups to ensure they benefit.
Tugume cautioned the youth against involvement in violent political activities, noting that the country is in a tense political period and “wrong choices can cost lives”.
Bunyoro Regional Ghetto Youth president Richard Athocon urged youth leaders to promote peace, unity and discipline within their groups to ease collaboration with government agencies. He called for registration of all ghetto premises under the Bunyoro Regional Ghetto Youth Association to streamline access to support.
Sinanzio Kugonza, the LC1 chairperson of Kisweka Village, appealed to government to bring ghetto youth into mainstream programmes, saying they are “equal citizens” who deserve opportunities.