Youths in Namutumba district have expressed gratitude to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni after he fulfilled a long-standing pledge of UGX 150 million. The funds were delivered during a function held at Bubago village, Nsinze sub-county, by the district Woman Member of Parliament, Hon. Mariam Naigaga. This gesture was in fulfillment of a commitment made by the President in 2017 during a thanksgiving ceremony for Hon. Naigaga’s political achievements.
The UGX 150 million was distributed among various Savings and Credit Cooperative Societies (SACCOs) and youth leadership structures ranging from the parish to the district level. The allocation aimed to empower the youth and promote economic development in the district.
Before the funds were handed over, social scientists and economists spoke to the youth to guide them on responsible living and the effective utilization of resources. Key among the lessons shared was the importance of financial discipline and the avoidance of unplanned expenditures that often derail development efforts.
Rev. Fr. Deogratius Kiibi, the guest speaker at the event, used his platform to caution the youth against certain lifestyle choices that could perpetuate poverty. He strongly discouraged polygamy and the habit of producing many children without adequate means of supporting them. “Marrying multiple women and having unplanned children are recipes for poverty,” he emphasized. His sentiments resonated with the attendees, many of whom acknowledged the need to adopt disciplined and goal-oriented lifestyles.
Adding to the discussion, Richard Musana, the Assistant Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Namutumba, underscored the critical role of discipline in achieving success. He urged the youth to uphold integrity and focus on their duties, noting that discipline is a cornerstone of sustainable development.
Youth leaders, led by the district chairperson, Kyandaye Julius, thanked President Museveni for honoring his pledge. They highlighted the positive impact the funds would have on youth activities in the district. However, they also raised concerns about being excluded from key government programs, including the Parish Development Model (PDM).
Kyandaye pointed out that the facilitation provided to youth councils is insufficient to create a noticeable impact. “We appreciate the President’s gesture, but we appeal for more support as we are often left out of key government initiatives,” he said.
Hon. Mariam Naigaga, who represented the President at the event, reiterated the need for the youth to avoid extravagant lifestyles and focus on sustainable development. She urged them to use the funds wisely to create long-term benefits for their communities.
In a symbolic gesture, Hon. Naigaga handed over the funds to the RDC, John Bosco Mubiito, who then distributed them to the beneficiary groups. The funds are expected to boost economic activities among the youth and support initiatives aimed at reducing unemployment and poverty in the district.
Godfrey Mutundi, the Namutumba District Youth Council treasurer, expressed the youth’s commitment to supporting President Museveni in the upcoming 2026 general elections. He praised the President for keeping his word and empowering the district’s youth.
However, the district NRM leadership asked the president to fulfill many of the pending pledges in the district so as to create a soft landing for the party come 2026 General elections.
Hajji Sirah Gusongoire, the Namutumba District NRM chairperson emphasized that such actions would strengthen the party’s support base. “If all pledges are fulfilled, it will create a soft landing for the party in the next general elections,” he noted.
The fulfillment of the UGX 150 million pledge marks a significant milestone for the youth of Namutumba district. The funds, if utilized effectively, have the potential to transform lives and foster economic growth. The President’s gesture also underscores the importance of honoring commitments to build trust and inspire development.
As the youth embark on implementing various projects funded by the money, they remain hopeful that their calls for increased facilitation and inclusion in government programs will be addressed. The event served as a reminder of the transformative power of collaboration between government leaders and grassroots communities.
In the words of Hon. Naigaga, “This is just the beginning. With discipline, proper planning, and unity, we can achieve even greater things.” For the youth of Namutumba, this day marked not only the fulfillment of a promise but also a renewed sense of hope and purpose.
Namutumba district emerged as the top supporter of the NRM party in the Busoga sub-region, surpassing Bugiri district, which was home to the party’s Secretary General, Hon. Lumumba Kasule, and Kamuli district, represented by the then Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga.
This overwhelming support for the NRM in Namutumba can be attributed to the exceptional mobilization efforts of the district Woman MP, Naigaga Mariam, who demonstrated remarkable teamwork and strategic organization
