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Dr. Lawrence Muganga has shared the story behind his appointment as Vice Chancellor of Victoria University, revealing that the role was never part of his original plan when he returned to Uganda for what was meant to be a short-term consultancy.

Speaking on Sanyuka TV’s Bigenda Bitya show, Dr. Muganga explained that he had no intention of staying in Uganda long-term when he first came back. His initial reason for returning was to support the Ministry of Education with the rollout of the competence-based curriculum, after both the Speaker of Parliament and the Prime Minister personally requested his expertise on the education reforms.

At the time, he was working abroad as a professor and had only planned to complete the consultancy assignment before heading back to his position overseas. As he put it, he came back purely as a consultant, and one that was well compensated for the work.

The turning point came through a friend who had interviewed him on several occasions and decided to introduce his profile to the late Rajiv Ruparelia and his father, businessman Sudhir Ruparelia. According to Muganga, the friend reached out to the Ruparelia family suggesting he could be the right person to help turn around their university.

That introduction led to a meeting between Muganga and the Ruparelia family to discuss the future of Victoria University, which was going through a difficult period at the time. He revealed that the institution had shrunk to only about 190 students during the COVID-19 period, making its revival both urgent and ambitious.

Those conversations about rebuilding the university eventually culminated in Muganga’s appointment as Vice Chancellor, a position from which he has since led Victoria University’s turnaround and growth into the institution it is today.

Karungi Iren Kwezi professionally known as Aria Schleyer Rich is a Ugandan music Singer and Songwriter born on 10th October 2002 in Mulago Kampala. She grew up Munyonyo, Kampala district raised by his father Keem Fame rich. The youngstar has taken the industry by storm

Aria Schleyer Rich attended Dubai International School for her primary level and Secondary studies. She then started music in 2019 after her father Keem fame rich ushered her into the business with three music albums including Kyavvadda album.

A few years in the music industry, she recorded her viral debut album “Kyavvadda” where she featured big named artists like Juliet Zawedde,Marval Beatz, Keem Fame Rich, and many more.

Today, the fast-rising star has a certificate in Music and Sound Production acquired from Dubai Music School

It should be recalled that Aria Schleyer started sharing her music videos on social media in 2019 but didn’t get enough attention due to his limited fan base then and early studies at school.  she broke through in 2020 when she featured on her father Keem Fame Rich and uncle marvel beats ” Home is Home Album”.

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Just hours after Ronald Alimpa appealed for help, Ugandans rallied behind him.

Singer Bruno K dedicated an episode of his TikTok Live show, Ekiboozi, to the struggling musician, turning the July 13 broadcast into a fundraiser that raised more than UGX 5 million in a matter of hours.

The support came after Alimpa shared the series of setbacks that have overshadowed his music career in recent years.

The “Lusuku Lwa Cement” star explained that a serious road accident forced him away from the spotlight just as his career was gathering momentum.

When he eventually returned to performing, he says another challenge emerged after he was arrested at an event where he had been booked to perform.

Alimpa says the case kept him moving between police stations, prison, and court for months.

During that time, he fell behind on rent. By the time he regained his freedom, he says he had been evicted and had lost most of his belongings, including his mattress, household items, and mobile phone.

His account struck a chord with Bruno K, who immediately appealed to viewers to support the singer, sparking an outpouring of generosity.

Fellow artists and content creators, including Lil Pazo and Uncle Chumi, joined the livestream and encouraged viewers to contribute directly to Alimpa, while donations continued pouring in throughout the broadcast.

By the end of the live session, contributions had surpassed UGX 5 million, with several well-wishers promising to send additional support after the broadcast.

The generosity extended beyond cash donations.

Derek Phones donated a brand-new smartphone to Alimpa, giving the singer a way to reconnect with fans as he works to rebuild both his life and his music career.

The training, taking place at Kabira Country Club in Kampala, is aimed at equipping the enumerators with the skills needed to collect accurate and credible data that will shape Uganda’s development agenda.

While officially opening the training, UBOS Executive Director Dr. Chris N. Mukiza congratulated the trainees for making it through a highly competitive recruitment process designed to maintain quality throughout the country’s statistical production chain.

However, Dr. Mukiza made it clear that earning a place in the training was only the beginning.

He challenged the trainees to take the programme seriously, warning that poor performance could cost them future opportunities with the Bureau.

“Those who fail to meet the required standards risk being blacklisted from participating in future surveys,” he cautioned.

Dr. Mukiza stressed that quality statistics begin with quality data collection, noting that inaccurate information collected from the field undermines the entire purpose of the survey.

“If you do not do a good job during data collection, then you have deviated from the main purpose of this survey,” he warned.

The trainees will, after the classroom sessions, head for field testing exercises where UBOS will assess both the effectiveness of the survey tools and the preparedness of the data collectors before the nationwide exercise kicks off.

The Uganda National Household Survey is one of the country’s most important statistical exercises, gathering information on education, health, housing conditions, food security and household welfare.

The findings play a critical role in measuring poverty levels, tracking socio-economic trends and guiding government planning, policy formulation and development programmes.

UBOS released the findings of the 8th Round of the survey in May 2025, and officials say the upcoming 9th Round of the UNHS 2026/27 will provide fresh and reliable data to support evidence-based decision-making across Uganda.

KAMPALA: Until last week, they were among Uganda’s respected highway engineers, quietly designing and supervising some of the country’s biggest road projects.

Today, Dickens Ahimbisibwe and Edwin Raymond Kiyaga have become household names for an entirely different reason.

The two engineers are now at the centre of one of Uganda’s biggest infrastructure investigations after being suspended by the Ministry of Works and Transport on the orders of the Inspector General of Government (IGG), Lady Justice Naluzze Aisha Batala, following a directive from President Yoweri Museveni.

The suspensions are linked to allegations that engineers manipulated the alignment of the SHS1.7 trillion Busega-Mpigi Expressway, triggering fresh land compensation claims and contributing to a massive escalation in the cost of one of Uganda’s flagship road projects.

While the allegations remain under investigation and the two engineers have not been found guilty of any wrongdoing, their impressive careers have suddenly come under intense public scrutiny.

Dickens Ahimbisibwe: From Ntare School to Senior Engineer

Dickens Ahimbisibwe’s journey into engineering began at Ntare School in Mbarara, one of Uganda’s leading secondary schools, before joining Makerere University, where he graduated with a First Class Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering.

Determined to specialise further, he returned to Makerere to earn a Master of Science in Civil Engineering, focusing on Highway and Transportation Engineering.

His qualifications quickly positioned him among Uganda’s rising road engineering professionals.

Ahimbisibwe started his professional career in 2012 as a trainee engineer at the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) before joining Ambitious Construction Company Limited as a Site Engineer.

In 2014, he worked as a Graduate Civil Engineer with URS Corporation, one of the world’s respected engineering consultancies, before moving to ICS Engineering and Environment, where he spent nearly three years working on civil engineering assignments.

His breakthrough came in March 2017 when he joined the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) as a Highway Engineer.

Over nearly eight years at UNRA, Ahimbisibwe worked on highway engineering, road design, earthworks estimation and transport infrastructure planning, building expertise in sophisticated engineering software including Bentley MXRoads and AutoCAD Civil 3D.

Following the merger of UNRA into the Ministry of Works and Transport, he briefly served as Highway Engineer before being promoted in May 2025 to Senior Engineer (Civil), a position carrying significant responsibility in overseeing road infrastructure.

Professionally, Ahimbisibwe is a Registered Engineer with the Engineers Registration Board and a Corporate Member of the Uganda Institution of Professional Engineers (UIPE), credentials regarded among the highest in Uganda’s engineering profession.

His own professional profile describes him as an experienced highway engineer with demonstrated expertise in highway design, transportation engineering and road infrastructure.

That distinguished profile now contrasts sharply with the allegations investigators are examining.

Edwin Raymond Kiyaga: The Highway Designer Behind Uganda’s Mega Roads

Like Ahimbisibwe, Edwin Raymond Kiyaga built his career around designing some of Uganda’s most important transport corridors.

After studying at St. Mary’s College Kisubi (SMACK), Kiyaga travelled to the United Kingdom, where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Southampton, one of Britain’s respected engineering institutions.

During his studies, he participated in the internationally recognised Constructionarium Programme, where students worked alongside engineers from global construction giant Laing O’Rourke to construct a scaled-down version of the famous Brewery Wharf Footbridge in Kings Lynn.

The programme exposed him to project planning, risk assessment, construction supervision, reinforcement works, concrete casting and leadership under real construction conditions.

Returning to Uganda, Kiyaga joined UNRA in January 2013 as a Graduate Engineer before moving to Infra Consulting Services Limited as a Highway Design Engineer.

In March 2017, he returned to UNRA, where he specialised in highway design, transport modelling and preparation of Bills of Quantities for major national road projects.

Over the years, Kiyaga worked on several landmark infrastructure projects.

He contributed to the Kampala Flyover Project, working alongside experts from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in collecting Geographic Information System (GIS) data, developing Building Information Modelling (BIM) structures and preparing three-dimensional visualisations.

He also participated in designing the proposed Kampala-Bombo Expressway, one of Uganda’s future strategic transport corridors.

Another major assignment involved preparing concepts for improving the Munyonyo Spur, including the design of interchanges at Serena and Akright to improve safety and traffic flow.

Perhaps most significantly, Kiyaga was one of the engineers involved in the design of the Busega-Mpigi Expressway between December 2017 and February 2019.

According to his professional profile, his responsibilities included preparing the horizontal and vertical alignment, Right of Way mapping, strip maps and Bills of Quantities for the project.

Those technical responsibilities now place him at the centre of investigations into allegations that the expressway alignment was later altered, resulting in additional compensation claims.

A Career Built on Roads, Now Facing Questions

Ironically, both Ahimbisibwe and Kiyaga built reputations designing and delivering road infrastructure intended to improve Uganda’s transport network.

Both spent years working within UNRA before the agency’s integration into the Ministry of Works and Transport.

Both possess strong academic credentials.

Both worked on nationally significant highway projects.

Now both find themselves suspended as investigators seek to establish whether public officials manipulated one of Uganda’s biggest road projects for personal gain.

President Museveni has alleged that engineers diverted the expressway from its originally compensated route and redirected it through land requiring fresh compensation, contributing to the dramatic increase in the project’s cost from about SHS600 billion to approximately SHS1.7 trillion.

The Inspectorate of Government, working together with the Office of the State House Comptroller, is now expected to determine whether the changes were justified by engineering considerations or whether they amounted to abuse of office and misuse of public resources.

For two engineers whose careers have been defined by designing Uganda’s highways, the investigation could become the defining chapter of their professional lives.

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The walls are finally closing in on officials linked to one of Uganda’s biggest and most expensive road projects after the Ministry of Works and Transport suspended two senior engineers over allegations of embezzlement and manipulation of the SHS1.7 trillion Busega-Mpigi Expressway project.

In a dramatic move seen as the first major casualty of President Yoweri Museveni’s crackdown on corruption in public infrastructure, the Ministry has suspended Kiyaga Edwin Raymond and Ahimbisibwe Dickens, paving the way for a full-scale investigation by the Inspectorate of Government (IGG).

The suspensions follow a directive issued by Inspector General of Government Lady Justice Naluzze Aisha Batala on July 1, 2026, acting on direct instructions from President Museveni after explosive allegations emerged that officials manipulated the route of the expressway for personal financial gain.

The engineers have been ordered to immediately hand over all government property, official documents, project files, computers and equipment to their supervisors. They have also been barred from entering ministry offices or performing any official duties unless specifically authorised and must remain available throughout the investigations.

The Inspectorate of Government praised the Ministry of Works for acting swiftly, saying the suspensions demonstrate government’s commitment to accountability, transparency and the fight against corruption.

The suspensions come barely days after President Museveni ordered one of the biggest corruption investigations into Uganda’s road sector in recent years.

In a strongly worded letter dated June 26, 2026, addressed to the IGG, the President expressed outrage over reports that the Busega-Mpigi Expressway had become a cash cow for corrupt officials.

Museveni revealed that government initially borrowed about SHS600 billion from the African Development Bank to construct the modern expressway, but despite substantial disbursement of the money, only about 40 percent of the project has reportedly been completed.

The President said intelligence available to him suggested that some engineers deliberately abandoned the original road alignment after government had already compensated landowners along the approved corridor.

Instead, according to the President, the road was allegedly diverted through land owned by some of the very engineers supervising the project, forcing government to compensate another set of landowners at taxpayers’ expense.

“The corrupt engineers altered the route of the road and avoided the route that was already compensated for and charted a new route going through their own lands that needed fresh compensation,” Museveni wrote.

The alleged scheme, if proven, would rank among the most brazen abuses of office in Uganda’s infrastructure sector.

The President says what started as a SHS600 billion expressway has now ballooned into a SHS1.7 trillion mega project, with repeated redesigns, fresh compensation claims and additional works contributing to the massive increase.

Museveni also ordered the suspension of another engineer, Muleme, and directed Permanent Secretary Bageya Waiswa to proceed on leave to allow investigations to proceed without interference. Under Secretary Namugambe was appointed Acting Permanent Secretary.

The investigations are being jointly conducted by the Inspectorate of Government and the Office of the State House Comptroller under Presidential Auditor David Tumwiine.

The Busega-Mpigi Expressway is one of Uganda’s flagship infrastructure projects.

Stretching about 23 kilometres with another 20 kilometres of access roads, the expressway forms part of the Northern Corridor linking Kampala to Masaka, Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo and the wider East African region.

The highway is expected to drastically reduce traffic congestion between Kampala and Masaka, improve road safety, lower transport costs and boost regional trade.

Construction started in May 2020 after government awarded the contract to a Chinese joint venture comprising China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) and China Railway 19th Bureau Group Company Limited.

Originally expected to be completed within three years, the project has instead suffered years of delays caused by compensation disputes, land acquisition challenges, COVID-19 disruptions, engineering redesigns and funding shortages.

As costs escalated, government sought additional financing from the African Development Bank.

In November 2025, the bank approved fresh funding after the original budget proved inadequate, pushing the total project cost to about SHS1.7 trillion, making it one of Uganda’s most expensive road projects.

Government now expects the expressway to be completed around 2030, nearly seven years behind schedule.

The scandal comes at a time when Parliament has repeatedly raised alarm over Uganda’s rising public debt, delayed infrastructure projects and billions of shillings lost through contract variations and compensation claims.

Recent Auditor General reports have repeatedly questioned delays in externally financed projects, low absorption of borrowed funds and billions paid in commitment fees on undisbursed loans.

The allegations could also trigger investigations under the Anti-Corruption Act, the Leadership Code Act, the Public Finance Management Act and the Penal Code if evidence emerges that officials abused their offices or fraudulently benefited from public compensation.

For many Ugandans, the Busega-Mpigi saga has become more than just another corruption case.

It has become a test of whether government is finally prepared to hold powerful public officials accountable for alleged abuse involving multi-billion-shilling infrastructure projects financed by taxpayers and international lenders.

As investigators move in and more officials come under scrutiny, all eyes will now be on the Inspectorate of Government to determine whether the alleged route manipulation was simply poor engineering—or one of the biggest compensation scams ever uncovered in Uganda’s roads sector.

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The appointment of Godfrey Byekwaso as the new Managing Director of Centenary Bank marks more than a leadership transition at Uganda’s largest commercial microfinance bank. It signals continuity, institutional confidence and a deliberate succession strategy aimed at sustaining one of the country’s most remarkable banking growth stories. 

Effective 1st July 2026, Byekwaso took over from Kasi whose 16-year tenure has transformed Centenary Bank from an indigenous financial institution into a dominant force in Uganda’s banking sector. Under Kasi’s leadership, Centenary Bank has expanded its footprint, deepened financial inclusion, strengthened digital banking and grown into a financial powerhouse with assets exceeding UGX 8.6 trillion, profit after tax of UGX 424.2 billion, over 3.4 million customers, customer deposits of UGX 5.27 trillion and a loan book of UGX 4.16 trillion as of December 2025.

This growth has been built on strong governance, prudent risk and financial management, customer trust and a clear mission of serving communities across Uganda especially the underserved.

Byekwaso’s appointment reflects the bank’s commitment to continuity, institutional stability and sustainable growth. Having served within the Centenary family since 2012, he brings deep institutional knowledge, proven leadership experience and a strong understanding of the bank’s mission, purpose, culture and strategic priorities.

During his tenure as General Manager Finance and Chief Financial Officer, he played a central role in strengthening the bank’s financial performance, operational resilience and growth strategy. He worked closely with the executive leadership team during a period when the bank expanded its national footprint, strengthened digital banking services and consolidated its position as Uganda’s leading microfinance and retail bank.

In April 2023, Byekwaso was appointed as the Deputy Managing Director, Centenary Bank Malawi following the Group’s acquisition there; the first cross border expansion by a Ugandan bank. He was later in October 2024 elevated to Managing Director where he led the bank through a turnaround to profitability.   

His return to Uganda therefore comes with valuable regional experience, broader strategic exposure and tested leadership credentials that position him well to guide Centenary Bank Uganda into the next phase of growth.

One of the most significant aspects of this transition is the long-standing relationship between Kasi and Byekwaso. The two leaders first worked together at FINCA Uganda before reuniting at Centenary Bank. This long-standing professional relationship has helped shape a shared commitment to financial discipline, customer-centric service, innovation and institutional excellence. As a result, the transition has been seamless, preserving the values and strategic focus that have defined the bank’s success over the years.

Byekwaso is recipient of several industry accolades, including the Finance Transformation Award (2018), Strategy Execution Award (2019) and CFO of the Year (2020) at the ACCA Uganda CFO Awards. He holds a Master of Business Administration (Finance) and a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) from Makerere University and a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (FCCA) and a Member of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Uganda (ICPAU).

He has served on several Boards and governance committees, including as: Board Member and Chairperson of the Operations Committee, Bankers Association of Malawi, Board Member, National Switch of Malawi, Chairperson of the Audit Committee, Inter-University Council for East Africa, Chairman of the Board, St. Lucia Namagooma Secondary School, Member of the Finance and Investment Committees of the Archdiocese of Lilongwe.

In addition to his executive banking career, he is a Partner at DATIVA & Associates Certified Public Accountants, providing quality assurance, audit, financial review and strategic advisory services.

Beyond the boardroom, Byekwaso is a passionate advocate for ethical leadership and community development, having served on numerous corporate, professional and faith-based boards across the region.

He has provided leadership in professional and community organizations, serving as: Pioneer President, CEO Apprenticeship Program Alumni Association, Pioneer Chairman, Uganda Bankers CFO Forum, District Treasurer, Rotary District 9213 and he is a past President, Rotary Club of Kiwatule.

The story of Centenary Bank over the decades has largely been defined by consistent growth, prudent management and an unwavering focus on financial inclusion. The transition from Fabian Kasi to Godfrey Byekwaso is designed to ensure that that story continues. In many ways, the moment represents not an end of an era, but the evolution of one.

As the Bank enters this new chapter, customers, shareholders, partners, regulators, and staff can remain confident in the institution’s strategic direction, operational strength and long-term commitment to transforming lives through inclusive and innovative financial solutions especially in rural areas sustainably.

 

 

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The Director of Crime Intelligence at the Uganda Police Force and National Coordinator of the Ghetto Structure Programme, AIGP Maj. Gen. Christopher Ddamulira, has commended President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for liberating and empowering the ghetto youth, saying the initiative has transformed their lives socially and economically.

“The President said you don’t need to go to jail; you need to live normally. But how do you live normally without something to eat? By working. That’s why he went ahead to empower you financially to start something for yourselves. This ghetto structure programme has been working well ever since we started it four years ago,” Maj. Gen. Ddamulira said.

He made the remarks on Monday, July 13th, 2026, while addressing participants during the closing ceremony of the Busoga Sub-region Ghetto Structure Leaders’ Retreat 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 137 gazetted ghetto depots across the 11 districts and one city in the Busoga Sub-region.

Maj. Gen. Ddamulira reminded participants that the Ghetto Structure Programme is intended to reform and empower ghetto youth socially and economically.

“This retreat has been crucial because you have been educated, empowered and given direction as ghetto youth leaders. Now you should sit together as leaders and find solutions for the boys and girls you left behind,” he said.

He revealed that the organisers of the retreat have also developed a five-year master plan aimed at supporting youth participation in income-generating activities.

“We now have a five-year master plan that will help you engage in income-generating activities. Those are the plans you need instead of getting involved in crime. This master plan is aimed at putting money into your pockets.”

Maj. Gen. Ddamulira further disclosed that President Museveni, through the government, has so far injected Shs3.2 billion into ghetto SACCOs across the country.

“This means jobs, hope, a sense of direction and a future for you and your families. Your colleagues in Kampala and Mukono utilised the financial support so well that the President was impressed and promised to add another Shs5 billion to the Ghetto Structure Programme. Your activities in Busoga also need financing, and that support will come.”

He added that the programme has also been rolled out in Hoima, Masaka and Fort Portal, with plans to expand to all cities in Uganda.

“We want to ensure that within the next five years, every ghetto youth has benefited from government funding.”

Maj. Gen. Ddamulira also encouraged the youth to actively participate in governance by contesting for leadership positions.

“I am happy that many of you are ready and willing to participate in the governance of this country. Contest for LC I positions and other leadership offices. When you succeed, you should be able to tell the ghetto story and contribute ideas that will ensure the continuity of this programme. You are now leaders entrusted with ensuring that the aspirations of your people are achieved.”

Maj. Gen. Ddamulira urged the newly elected leaders to sensitise fellow youth and promote a crime-free society.

According to the latest Uganda Police annual crime report, he noted, crime levels in many ghettos have significantly declined, largely due to the work of the Ghetto Structure Programme.

“You cannot fight crime and build a crime-free society without addressing the challenges facing ghetto youth. Crime leads to loss of life, destruction of property, lawlessness, reduced tourism, reduced foreign direct investment, damage to the country’s image and poor public health.”

He urged the youth to embrace patriotism, obey the law, cooperate with security agencies, participate in government poverty alleviation programmes and respect leadership.

Maj. Gen. Ddamulira also proposed establishing a platform where reformed youth could share testimonies to inspire others.

“When other ghetto youth hear such testimonies, they too can be encouraged to reform.”

Stay Away From Drugs, Violence and Land Conflicts:

The Crime Intelligence Director cautioned the youth against drug abuse, political violence and involvement in land disputes.

“I want you to avoid drugs. Drug abuse destroys lives and affects your health.”

On political violence, he warned:

“Violence does not pay, especially for the foot soldiers. The ring leaders are usually the biggest beneficiaries. Their bank accounts are credited, they easily obtain visas, acquire properties abroad and secure bail when arrested. The foot soldiers are left to face prison or even lose their lives.”

He also warned against accepting payment to participate in land conflicts.

“No one should hire you to fight for someone’s land. That habit must stop.”

Maj. Gen. Ddamulira assured the youth that Uganda remains peaceful due to the efforts of President Museveni, the Chief of Defence Forces and the country’s security agencies.

“Support government programmes, mobilise others to participate and free yourselves from criminality through productive work. Your talents will be identified and promoted.”

The newly elected Busoga Ghetto Executive, regional leaders and other participants received certificates of recognition during the ceremony.

Appreciation to Stakeholders:

Maj. Gen. Ddamulira thanked the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, for maintaining peace and security, saying a stable security environment enables development programmes to thrive.
He also appreciated the Inspector General of Police for supporting the joint implementation of the programme by Uganda Police and State House.

In addition, he commended Special Presidential Assistant on Press and Mobilisation and Deputy Presidential Press Secretary, Alhaji Faruk Kirunda, for his commitment to the success of the Busoga Ghetto Structure Programme.

“If it were not for him, even this event would not have taken place. He is dedicated, loyal and consistent. We faced challenges when we started, but today we are seeing the fruits of this project.”

Five-Year Rehabilitation Plan:

Speaking at the same event, Alhaji Kirunda informed Maj. Gen. Ddamulira that a comprehensive five-year rehabilitation plan for Busoga’s ghettos had been launched.

“We thank you for your wise counsel and continued support. It was not an easy journey, but because of your guidance, this project became a reality.”

He revealed that the Presidential funds disbursed to ghetto SACCOs had been put to productive use and recovery of revolving funds was already underway.

“For example, Namayingo District has already recovered Shs3 million, and the recovery process is continuing.”

Alhaji Kirunda directed the Busoga Ghetto Giant, Blessing Byakika to work closely with security agencies to eliminate illegal, ungazetted ghetto depots.

“At the moment, we have 137 gazetted depots.”

He also assured additional government support for organised youth groups that had utilised Presidential funding effectively.

“Our office recently conducted profiling of beneficiaries. We shall support organised groups with welding equipment, soap-making machines and other tools of production. We shall also support roadside market vendors, meat and gonja roasters operating in gazetted locations, establish a music studio for talented youth and work with the Ministry of Works to create employment opportunities through road maintenance.”

The Namayingo Resident District Commissioner, Eva Nalongo Kwesiga, thanked President Museveni and other stakeholders for rehabilitating ghetto youth.

“To the ghetto youth, do not betray the trust and support being extended to you. Remain reformed and become responsible citizens.”

She noted that crime had significantly reduced in Namayingo because many youth had abandoned criminal activities.

The NRM Chairperson for Busoga Sub-region, Haji Abubakar Walubi, also commended President Museveni for consistently supporting ghetto youth.

“There has been tremendous transformation among you, and we should never take it for granted.”

He applauded Maj. Gen. Ddamulira, Maj. Emma Kutesa, Deputy National Coordinator of the Ghetto Structure Programme, and Alhaji Faruk Kirunda for championing the initiative across the country.

“You convinced the President that instead of fighting these young people, we should organise, sensitise and transform them into responsible citizens.”

Haji Walubi encouraged the youth to remain law-abiding and actively participate in the forthcoming Local Council I elections.

During the retreat, the Busoga Ghetto Giant, Mr. Byakika, was presented with a brand-new motorcycle to facilitate coordination activities across the sub-region.

The retreat was organised by the Office of the Special Presidential Assistant on Press and Mobilisation in collaboration with the Uganda Police Force’s Directorate of Crime Intelligence.

 

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