The Deputy Resident District Commissioner (RDC) for Kayunga District, John Magezi, has urged young people to abandon drug abuse and instead embrace government wealth creation programmes to improve their livelihoods and contribute to the country's socio-economic development.
Magezi made the remarks while launching feeder road works at Kiteredde in Kayunga Sub-county, where he expressed concern over the increasing number of young people whose lives have been negatively affected by substance abuse.
"Drug abuse has destroyed the lives of many young people. I urge the youth to change their mindset, stay away from drugs and focus on productive activities that can transform their lives and those of their families," Magezi said.
He encouraged young people to take advantage of government initiatives such as the Parish Development Model (PDM), the Youth Livelihood Programme (YLP) and other poverty alleviation programmes designed to create employment opportunities, increase household incomes and improve living standards.
Magezi said the feeder roads under construction should become a catalyst for economic growth by enabling farmers, youth groups and entrepreneurs to transport agricultural produce and other goods to markets more efficiently.
"These feeder roads are not meant for luxury. They are meant to help you transport produce and merchandise from your farming and youth projects to the markets. That is how government will realise value for the money invested in these programmes and in the road infrastructure," he said.
He urged beneficiaries of government programmes to make effective use of the support they receive, noting that increased production and improved access to markets would demonstrate accountability for public resources invested in community development.
"Use every opportunity government has provided to improve your incomes. When these roads help you market your produce and your projects succeed, it becomes clear that government resources have been put to good use," Magezi added.
The Deputy RDC also called on parents, local leaders and community members to play a more active role in preventing drug abuse by providing guidance, mentorship and support to young people.
He said disciplined and productive youth are critical to the district's development and the country's broader socio-economic transformation.
The feeder road works launched at Kiteredde are part of the government's ongoing efforts to improve rural transport infrastructure, facilitate trade, support agricultural production and enhance access to markets and essential social services across Kayunga District.
Improving feeder roads has been a key component of Uganda's rural development strategy, with the government investing in road infrastructure to reduce transport costs, strengthen agricultural value chains and stimulate local economic growth.
