By Eye Media
KAMPALA – State House has released a comprehensive list of focal point persons across the country to oversee the Presidential Empowerment Funds for MCs and Panelists, a move aimed at ensuring transparency, accountability and effective mobilization among entertainment practitioners.
The list, covering all 18 sub–regions of Uganda, details contact persons who will coordinate beneficiaries at the grassroots level. Among those named are Dhakaba Meddy Nalugoda (Busoga), Ssegujja Fred (Kampala), MC Brown Samuel Ogwok (Lango), MC Manyindo Mbusa Timothy (Rwenzori), Oyoo Robinson (Acholi), Tumusiime Stella (Bunyoro), MC Ziggy Zagga Toko Karim (West Nile), Buttume Geoffrey Speed (Ankole), Musa Oroma (Teso), MC Angella Godfrey Muze (Karamoja), Kajura Nelson (Tooro), Chemos Silas (Sebei), Bwayo Emma (Bugisu), Waswa Susan (Greater Mukono), Byarugaba Christmas (Kigezi), Mubiru Charles (Greater Luwero/Mubende), Henry Busulwa Musikawutu (Greater Masaka), Kajubi Henry (Wakiso/Mpigi), and Maloba Dominic (Bukedi).
Deputy Presidential Press Secretary and Special Presidential Assistant in charge of Press and Mobilization, Hajji Faruk Kirunda, said the appointment of focal point persons is intended to give the initiative a firm structure and ensure that funds released by President Yoweri Museveni reach the intended beneficiaries.
“The President has extended this financial empowerment to MCs and Panelists so that they can transform their talents into sustainable livelihoods. We urge the focal point persons to ensure that these groups flourish and that the money is put to good use, not squandered,” Kirunda stressed.
Kirunda further called on the beneficiaries to take inspiration from other government empowerment programs such as Emyooga, the Parish Development Model (PDM) and the Youth Livelihood Program, where Ugandans have pooled resources to create jobs and wealth.
The initiative comes at a time when the entertainment industry is being recognized as a powerful driver of mobilization, community development and youth employment. Kirunda noted that MCs and Panelists are at the center of social functions and public events, making them influential opinion leaders.
“This fund is not a handout. It is seed capital. We expect accountability, visible projects and testimony that government programs work when properly managed,” he said.
The release of the list has been welcomed with optimism across the regions, with several beneficiaries vowing to use the support to set up income-generating activities ranging from events management and media ventures to agribusiness and community projects.
The Eye Media understands that each focal point person will be the direct link between State House and the beneficiaries in their sub–region, and they will be required to provide regular updates on progress and challenges.
As the saying at the bottom of the official circular goes, Together We Can.
