KAMPALA – President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has announced a major increase in government funding for ghetto-focused wealth creation initiatives, raising allocations tenfold from UGX 100 million to UGX 1 billion per structure annually in each Kampala division. He cited high population density and unmet needs within Uganda’s urban poor communities as the driving force.
President Museveni made the pledge on Friday, July 18, 2025, during the resumption of his Parish Development Model (PDM) and wealth creation tour. He visited Bwaise II, Nabukalu Zone, Kawempe Division, one of Kampala’s most densely populated and economically marginalised areas.
“Now here in the ghetto, because of the high population numbers, we can go from UGX 100 million to UGX 1 billion per parish per year for the ghetto structures alone,” President Museveni declared. “In the 22 parishes of Kawempe Division, there’s already UGX 2.2 billion of PDM each year, but the ghetto needs special attention.”
The President explained this funding surge is part of a broader government strategy to boost small-scale, self-sustaining income-generating activities among the urban poor, many lacking access to formal employment or business capital.
“Kampala will receive UGX 5 billion for ghetto-specific programmes across its five divisions,” he stated, emphasising this is additional to existing PDM allocations.
Despite a torrential downpour lasting nearly an hour, the President toured micro-enterprises supported by previous ghetto funding. These included goat rearing, electrical repairs, tailoring, bakery, and printing services.
Accompanied by key mobilisers and local officials, Museveni stressed the need for “pro-poor budgeting,” warning that significant national funds are lost to administrative costs.
“Some expenditure is not productive, money spent on salaries for district officials, new districts, and unnecessary administrative units. This money should be going to the poor, to PDM, and ghetto empowerment,” he asserted. He urged ghetto leaders and youth to participate actively in national decision-making: “Support me politically so I’m not just left in the hands of technocrats and parliamentarians. If we unite and you support these programmes, we can transform Uganda from the bottom up.”
He cited recent pressure to create new districts in Ntungamo despite stagnant population levels: “Yes, the district is big, but the population has not increased. So this area, which is small and compact, why do you want to have more managers, and why spend money on that instead of prioritising education for the children of the poor? Instead of spending on new MPs and district officials, we should invest in education, roads, drainage, and the ghetto economy.”
President Museveni urged residents to monitor government funds, including UGX 10 billion allocated to Kawempe under PDM over four years, plus Emyooga, Youth Livelihood Fund, and Women Entrepreneurship Fund money. “Follow the money and ensure it is not eaten. You received UGX 500,000 and managed to start something. That shows the potential when funds reach the right people,” he said.
Ghetto residents welcomed the news. Mr Sadam Kiggundu, known as Amigo, thanked the President for earlier UGX 140 million funding and appealed for special skills centres. Mr Sserunkuuma Nesta Sabiiti, aka Peace-Keeper, noted the President’s engagement had transformed youth perceptions and opportunities: “We appreciate you and promise full support in the 2026 presidential election,” he said, also requesting a boxing gym, better toilets, and drainage.
Success stories were shared. Ms Opicia Dorothy used UGX 500,000 to start a broom business, educating her seven children. Mr Mubiru Wilberforce and Oscar Ssematimba grew a goat-rearing venture from two goats in October 2024 to 25 animals.
On education, President Museveni lamented how corruption undermined Universal Primary Education (UPE): “Headmasters connive with PTAs to charge illegal fees. LC5 chairmen and MPs don’t follow up. The poor suffer, and children drop out.” He highlighted State House skilling hubs as a successful vocational training alternative.
The President concluded his tour with a public rally at Kawempe Mbogo Mosque Playground.
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