In a recent gesture aimed at uplifting vulnerable communities, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni donated Shs 100 million to a group of sex workers in Mbale, Uganda. The donation was made at the request of local leaders to support the group, often referred to as “ba Neko,” a term for prostitutes in the area.
The donation has sparked widespread discussions, especially on social media, where some have questioned the move.
However, Hajji Kirunda Faruk, the Special Presidential Assistant on Press and Mobilization and Deputy Presidential Spokesperson, defended the president’s decision, emphasizing the need to support marginalized groups.
In a statement, Kirunda highlighted Sunday December 22, 2024, that sex workers are a vulnerable population, often driven to such work by economic hardship and peer pressure.
He argued that the Shs 100 million donation aims to provide the women with an opportunity to transition from illegal work to legitimate economic activities, aligning with the government’s broader vision of fostering a “kingdom of prosperity.”
According to Kirunda, the donation will be channeled through a savings and credit cooperative organization (SACCO), which will help the women establish alternative livelihoods.
He added that such initiatives are in line with the government’s support programs like the Parish Development Model (PDM), Emyooga, Youth Livelihood Programme (YLP), and Uganda Women Empowerment Programme (UWEP), all of which are designed to provide Ugandans with better economic opportunities.
“The kingdom of prosperity which President Museveni preaches is meant for such neglected categories of Ugandans,” Kirunda said. “No one should mock or frustrate them. With this support, their dreams will come true, and they will have the opportunity to join the formal economy like other Ugandans benefiting from government programs.”
While the donation has sparked a mix of reactions, with some praising the move and others questioning its appropriateness, it is clear that President Museveni’s gesture reflects a continued effort to address the challenges faced by Uganda’s most vulnerable citizens.
