President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has been commended for his efforts to organise and economically empower ghetto communities across Busoga and the rest of Uganda through the Ghetto Structure Initiative.
The praise was made by the Deputy National Coordinator of the Ghetto Structure Project, Maj. Emma Kutesa, while addressing participants at the Busoga Sub-region Ghetto Structure Leaders' Retreat held on
Sunday, July 12, 2026, at Bishop Willis Centre in Iganga Municipality.
The three-day retreat, held under the theme "Empowering the Ghettos for a Crime-Free Society," brought together leaders from 131 ghetto depots across the Busoga sub-region.
The retreat forms part of the government's broader rehabilitation and empowerment programme aimed at transforming ghetto communities,promoting responsible leadership, reducing crime and integrating young people into national development programmes.
The event was organised by the Office of the Special Presidential Assistant on Press and Mobilisation and Deputy Press Secretary to H.E. the President, Alhaji Faruk Kirunda, in collaboration with the Uganda
Police Force's Crime Intelligence Directorate.Maj. Kutesa applauded AIGP Maj. Gen. Christopher Ddamulira, Director of Crime Intelligence and National Coordinator of the Ghetto Structure
Project, for assessing the situation of ghettos in Busoga and recommending government intervention.
“I thank Maj. Gen. Ddamulira for coming to Busoga, assessing the situation in the ghettos and finding it necessary that they receive government support. I also commend Alhaji Faruk Kirunda and the State
House Comptroller for their contribution to this project,” he said.
He reminded participants that the Ghetto Structure Initiative was conceived by President Museveni to uplift disadvantaged ghetto youth through social and economic empowerment.
“Many of you previously failed to benefit from government programmes because society viewed you as criminals. President Museveni recognised that challenge and decided to inject funds into your SACCOs
so that you could improve your livelihoods.”
Maj. Kutesa urged the leaders to use the structures to mobilise fellow youth to embrace government wealth creation programmes and actively fight poverty.
“Your responsibility is to help your fellow youth join the money economy. Sensitise them to utilise government programmes and improve their livelihoods.”Fight Crime Through Community Leadership:
Maj. Kutesa challenged the leaders to work closely with security agencies in eliminating criminality within their communities. “Do not hide criminals. Report them and their criminal plans. Uganda has changed and there is no room for criminality. Anyone who still wants to engage in crime is on the wrong path.”
He assured the leaders of continued government support, noting that additional funding would be provided to well-managed SACCOs.
“The President is ready to inject more funds into your SACCOs, but corruption must be eliminated. Ensure that the money reaches the rightful beneficiaries.”
He attributed persistent poverty to poor utilisation of available resources, theft and laziness, urging beneficiaries to make productive use of government support.Maj. Kutesa also reminded the leaders that the Ghetto Structure Project falls under the direct supervision of Maj. Gen. Ddamulira.“Any leader who abuses their office will face the full force of the law."
He further tasked them with ensuring transparency and accountability in the management of SACCO funds.
“No one who does not belong to the ghetto structures should benefit from these funds. All beneficiaries should have bank accounts so that government support is transferred directly to them.”Support President Museveni, Youth Urged:
The National Female Youth MP, Hon. Mercy Kanyesigye, urged ghetto youth to continue supporting President Museveni, whom she credited for extending financial empowerment to disadvantaged communities.
“President Museveni does not discriminate. He loves all his Bazzukulu equally, and that is why he extended financial empowerment to the youth in the ghettos.”
She encouraged beneficiaries to use the funds wisely to qualify for additional government support.
Hon. Kanyesigye also challenged the ghetto youth to acquire vocational and technical skills to improve their livelihoods.
“I also come from a humble background. Through God's grace and hard work, I have reached where I am today. You too can move from grass to grace, but it requires vision, determination and hard work.”
She further called upon youth to protect themselves from HIV/AIDS, avoid drug abuse and continue working with security agencies to maintain peace.
“President Museveni sees great potential in the youth living in ghettos. You have an important role to play in transforming our country.”
The Commissioner-RDC Secretariat in-charge of RDCs in Eastern Uganda, Col. Dhamuzungu Oguli, urged the leaders to use the ghetto structures as instruments for fighting crime and poverty.
He emphasised discipline as the foundation of effective leadership. “You must observe discipline if your structures are to succeed. Separate criminality from the ghettos and promote responsible leadership.”
He urged leaders to identify habitual criminals and cooperate with law enforcement agencies to take action.
“Know the facts before involving the police. Work within the chain of command and provide accurate information whenever suspects are handed over.”
Col. Dhamuzungu also proposed closer collaboration between Resident District Commissioners (RDCs) and district ghetto leadership by providing office space for district Ghetto Presidents to improve coordination.
Using the Structures to Fight Poverty:Beyond crime prevention, Col. Dhamuzungu encouraged leaders to
mobilise youth into government wealth creation programmes by identifying members' skills and linking them to appropriate interventions. He urged communities with access to land to adopt President Museveni's Four-Acre Model and invest in profitable enterprises such as coffee farming.
He also stressed accountability in managing government resources. “Proper accountability will encourage the government to continue supporting your structures. Besides the ghetto funds, ensure your
communities also benefit from programmes such as the Parish Development Model.”
Leaders Commend Government Initiative:
Kapchorwa RDC Mr. Stanley Bayole, who is also the grandfather of the Busoga Kingdom through family ties, urged youth to embrace commercial agriculture.
“Being in the ghetto does not mean being a criminal. A person living in the ghetto can become a successful entrepreneur, educate children, own businesses and even become a Member of Parliament.”
The Deputy RDC for Namutumba District, Mr. Paul Waiswa, applauded President Museveni and Alhaji Kirunda for strengthening ghetto structures in Busoga.
“Following Alhaji Kirunda's consultations with His Excellency the President, it was agreed that the ghettos in Busoga required empowerment. Today, this training is equipping leaders with knowledge
to improve their livelihoods and become responsible citizens.” Similarly, Luuka Assistant RDC Mr. Rogers Ntogona thanked President
Museveni for extending financial support to Busoga ghetto SACCOs. “Each ghetto SACCO across the 11 districts and Jinja City received Shs100 million. Many young people have established businesses and abandoned crime.”
Participants Welcome the Initiative: Mayuge District Ghetto President Ms. Naikoba Rehema described the
retreat as transformational.
“We thank President Museveni for supporting the ghettos and Alhaji Kirunda for organising this retreat. I have learnt valuable business skills that will improve my livelihood.”
She encouraged fellow youth to reject crime and drug abuse. Iganga District Ghetto President, Mr. Frank Tanaz said the initiative had transformed public perceptions about ghettos.
“Iganga was once labelled among the most violent districts, but through these structures we have encouraged many young people to abandon crime and embrace positive change.”
Meanwhile, Ms. Mutesi Zalika, Commander of Busembatia Depot, said the retreat had equipped participants with practical leadership skills.
“What we have learnt here will be translated into action for the development of our communities.”
Busoga Ghetto Leaders Elect Regional Executive:
The retreat also witnessed elections for the Busoga Regional Ghetto Structure leadership that will steer affairs and management of the subregion, which consists of 11 districts and a City.
According to the Chairperson of the Busoga Ghetto Electoral Commission, Mr. Waiswa Hatim Mpaata, contestants competed for nine regional leadership positions through the lining-up voting method.
The positions included Ghetto Giant, General Secretary, Treasurer, Secretary for Rehabilitation and Empowerment, Secretary for Research,Security and Intelligence, Secretary for Mobilisation, Ghetto
Spokesperson, Secretary for Welfare and Secretary for Female Affairs.
Mr. Mpaata announced Mr. Blessing Byakika of Jinja City as the newly elected Busoga Ghetto Giant after defeating Mr. Sserwanga Ahmed of Bugiri District.
In his acceptance remarks, Mr. Byakika thanked President Museveni for transforming the lives of ghetto youth through various empowerment initiatives.
He also appreciated the Office of the Special Presidential Assistant on Press and Mobilisation and the Crime Intelligence Directorate for organising what he described as a free and fair election.
“We thank you for standing with us. Today we are organised because of your efforts. You have nurtured and transformed us into responsible citizens.”
Newly Elected Busoga Ghetto Leadership:
Ghetto Giant: Blessing Byakika
General Secretary: Frank Tanaz
Secretary for Finance (Treasurer): Sserwadda Sharny
Secretary for Rehabilitation and Empowerment: Makanika Fahad
Secretary for Research, Security and Intelligence: Oundo Gilbert
Secretary for Mobilisation: Anisha Takali Nanzala
Ghetto Spokesperson: Bulagala Najib
Secretary for Welfare: Basoma Isaac
Secretary for Female Affairs: Naikoba Rehema
