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President Museveni has urged Ugandans to take charge of the fight against poverty by embracing saving habits and self-reliance at the household level.
His message was delivered on Saturday by State House Household Department head Jane Barekye at the launch of the Youth Wealth Creation Program in Kamwokya, a densely populated suburb of Kampala.
“Poverty can be defeated starting at the family level,” the President’s message read. “Even when you earn a small income, it is important to learn how to save and invest wisely.”
Museveni encouraged recipients of government-backed support programs to maximize the tools and capital provided to them, rather than relying on continued external aid.
He stressed that prosperity begins at home, through deliberate planning and financial discipline.
The Youth Wealth Creation Program, initiated in 2022 under State House and coordinated by Faisal Ndase, targets urban and peri-urban youth engaged in informal trades such as tailoring, salon work, and street food vending.
The program seeks to empower vulnerable youth with the means to grow their businesses and contribute meaningfully to Uganda’s economy.
Over 900 youth have so far benefited from the initiative. The Kamwokya launch marked the latest phase, where 170 young people from various zones–including Kisenyi, Mulimira, and Konta Africa–received startup kits and equipment tailored to their specific trades.
While addressing the beneficiaries, Barekye urged them to treat the tools as a long-term investment and not as items for resale. She also used the platform to rally continued support for President Museveni.
“President Museveni is the only leader with a genuine heart for ordinary Ugandans,” Barekye said. “Remain loyal to him by using what you’ve been given to better your lives.”
Faisal Ndase, the program coordinator, highlighted the impact of the initiative in restoring trust between the youth and the government, particularly in urban centers that have historically been less aligned with the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
“The youth are beginning to believe in the vision of President Museveni because they are seeing tangible results,” Ndase said. “We want to continue empowering them so they can be the engine of Uganda’s transformation.”
Ndase announced that the program would be rolled out to other urban areas, including Katwe, Kawempe, and Makindye, with a long-term goal of expanding into Wakiso District.
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While local leaders welcomed the support, they raised concerns about structural gaps in the community. Robert Ameku, the Chairperson of Kisenyi II Zone, said Kamwokya still lacks a vocational training institute despite comprising over 10 villages.
“We are grateful for the equipment and the President’s initiative,” Ameku said. “But for sustained impact, we need a vocational training center in Kamwokya and increased funding under the Parish Development Model. Many of our people were left out.”
Several youth beneficiaries shared their appreciation and pledged to use the opportunity to improve their livelihoods.
Florence Nakate, a hairdresser from Konta Africa Zone, said the equipment would help her expand her business. “This support has given me new hope. I used to struggle, but now I can grow my business.”
Loadrik Mumbere, a chapati vendor, vowed to put his startup kit to good use and to stay away from trouble. “I promise to be responsible and peaceful. This is my chance to stand on my own.”
The Kamwokya event marked a key milestone in the government’s ongoing drive to empower young Ugandans through practical support rather than theoretical training.
With its focus on tools, mentorship, and small-scale investment, the Youth Wealth Creation Program is positioning itself as a pillar of Uganda’s broader economic inclusion strategy–particularly in under-resourced urban areas.
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