The Office of the National Chairman (ONC), led by Senior Presidential Advisor Hajjat Hadijah Namyalo Uzeiye, has announced the launch of a major anti-poverty campaign targeting vulnerable urban communities in Katwe, one of Kampala’s poorest neighborhoods.
The campaign, called “Abanaku Tweyambe Wealth Creation Empowerment,” will officially launch on July 4, 2025, in Katwe, Makindye Division, and aims to equip struggling residents with tools and resources to help them start small businesses and escape the cycle of poverty.
Speaking at a press conference held at the ONC headquarters in Kyambogo on June 24, Hajjat Namyalo said the campaign marks a shift from talking about poverty to directly tackling it on the ground.
“This is just the beginning. We shall not rest until all parts of the country benefit,” she emphasized.
Unlike other government programs that work through financial institutions or local government structures, this ONC initiative will deliver practical startup kits directly into the hands of beneficiaries.
Items to be distributed include, Salon equipment, Sewing machines, Carpentry tools, Popcorn machines and Boda-boda motorcycles.
These items are meant to enable self-employment and uplift the livelihoods of individuals and families in some of Kampala’s most neglected communities.
Hajjat Namyalo revealed that this campaign has the backing of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, following months of lobbying from her office in response to pleas from grassroots communities.
“People from different areas have been calling us since last year, asking for support. I kept pushing the President, even with limited funds. My persistence paid off, and that’s why we’re here today,” she said.
Although Uganda already has national poverty-alleviation programs like Emyooga, the Parish Development Model (PDM), and Operation Wealth Creation (OWC), Hajjat Namyalo clarified that ONC’s efforts are complementary born out of direct community engagement and immediate response to people’s needs.
This campaign is not the first of its kind. The ONC has already extended similar empowerment drives to Luwero, Acholi, Mukono, and Ankole, where residents received tools and support to start income-generating activities.
The Katwe launch event on July 4 will feature live demonstrations, testimonies from past beneficiaries, and a symbolic handover of business startup kits. It aims to not only support individuals but also inspire other communities to seek self-reliance through entrepreneurship.
In many ways, “Abanaku Tweyambe” continues the legacy of Operation Wealth Creation, first introduced in 2013 to boost household incomes. However, ONC’s approach is more targeted toward urban slums and informal settlements, where traditional programs have often struggled to make an impact.
As Uganda heads into the 2026 elections, this campaign also serves as a show of the government’s ongoing commitment to grassroots development and inclusive economic empowerment.
