Mengo Primary School playground in Rubaga Division turned into a hub of activity today as ghetto youth leaders met with Maj. Gen. Christopher Ddamulira, the Director of Crime Intelligence and coordinator of the Ghetto Youth Empowerment Program.
The engagement was attended by the two Assistant Resident City Commissioners (RCCs) for Rubaga, the NRM Division Chairman, the District Internal Security Officer (DISO), and other community leaders.
The meeting was convened to review progress under the presidential initiative to transform ghetto youth through skills training, entrepreneurship, and organized Savings and Credit Cooperative Societies (SACCOs).
According to Maj. Gen. Ddamulira, the program has already yielded visible results in Rubaga and other divisions.
“We have noted reduced crime levels in the area, economic empowerment of youth through SACCOs, and their active participation in leadership structures,” he said.
“Many of you contested and won positions in youth elections, which demonstrates that empowerment is not only economic but also civic.”
Since 2022, government has injected billions of shillings into ghetto SACCOs across Kampala Metropolitan to support small enterprises in areas such as carpentry, tailoring, beekeeping, and crafts .
In Rubaga alone, hundreds of young people have benefited from start-up capital, with many reporting improved livelihoods and reduced reliance on crime.
Ddamulira also used the occasion to caution against political manipulation and violence as Uganda heads into another heated electoral season. “I appeal to you to completely reject acts of political violence and criminality. Instead, let us promote peace throughout the election period and beyond,” he urged.
The ghetto youth initiative has been praised for breaking down barriers between security agencies and marginalized urban communities.
Buganda Kingdom’s Katikkiro, Charles Peter Mayiga, earlier this year commended Maj. Gen. Ddamulira for rehabilitating many youth once associated with gangs and crime.
Today’s Rubaga meeting reaffirmed government’s commitment to sustain funding and mentorship for ghetto youth. “The future of our country rests in your hands. Choose peace, productivity, and responsibility,” Ddamulira concluded.
