A sharp rift has developed between the ghetto youth and the ruling National Resistance Movement leadership in Mukono district over the alleged mismanagement of Shs 100 million and motorcycles recently donated by President Yoweri Museveni.
The monies and motorcycles, intended to empower and improve the welfare of ghetto youths. The youth accuse the NRM leadership of corruption, favouritism, and misuse among intended beneficiaries.
The ghetto youths operating under their association, Beganzi Ghetto Group, based in Wantoni–Mukono, came out publicly to denounce the way the items were handled. They alleged that district leaders and ghetto coordinators had diverted both the funds and motorcycles for personal gain, with some reportedly handing over the motorcycles to their own relatives and parents.
The youth expressed frustration, further accusing their leaders of betrayal. Many said they had been repeatedly mobilized and paraded at political events, especially at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds, only to be forgotten afterwards.
“We fulfilled all the requirements they asked for, but when it came to receiving the funds, we were completely sidelined,” said Felix Lemack, one of the ghetto youth.
“Up to now, we don’t know who has the money. We call upon Gen [Christopher] Damulira and other responsible authorities to investigate and ensure the right people receive the funds. This money was meant to help us, not to enrich a few individuals.”
Lemack further revealed that the motorcycles, which were supposed to support ghetto youths in starting small transport and delivery businesses, were instead distributed among a small circle of leaders and their close friends.
“This favouritism has killed the purpose of the President’s donation,” he lamented, calling for transparency and reforms in how such government initiatives are managed.
Ronald Kiyaga, popularly known as Ganyana, who previously served as secretary on the committee that vetted and distributed the funds, confirmed that the process started well but later turned chaotic.
“At first, 40 genuine beneficiaries were selected fairly,” he said. “But along the way, our leader began bringing his own list of people. That’s when the confusion began. Some committee members were put aside, others quit, and eventually the wrong people ended up with the money.”
Kiyaga also disclosed that the issue of the motorcycles became even murkier during the COVID-19 lockdown.
“Our leader, Ssalongo Dickson Maziga, took full control of the motorcycles, saying he had orders from top officials at State House. Later, his wife, who is also the secretary in the Ghetto Office took over their management,” Kiyaga claimed.
“We suspect abuse of office, and we are demanding investigations and a change in leadership. “The disgruntled ghetto youths now say they are tired of being exploited for political gain. “We’re always called to attend rallies and cheer for leaders, but after the cameras go off, we’re left with nothing,” said one youth.
“This time, we will not be used again.” Dr Daisy Sarah Sonko Nabatanzi, widely known as Maama Ghetto, who coordinated ghetto structures in the Greater Mukono region, acknowledged that the complaints were genuine and regrettable.
“The initiative started with good intentions to uplift the lives of ghetto youths through entrepreneurship and empowerment,” she explained.
“But unfortunately, some leaders turned it into a personal business. Such people must either reform or face accountability.” Nabatanzi confirmed that this was not the first time similar complaints had been raised against some of the same leaders.
“We are planning a high-level meeting to review and investigate these matters. If we find that the allegations are true, arrests and prosecutions will follow,” she warned.
However, when contacted for a response, Ssalongo Dickson Maziga dismissed the accusations as false and politically motivated.
“The distribution of both the funds and motorcycles was done transparently and through the right channels,” he said.
“All beneficiaries were properly identified, and the records are available for verification. Those making noise are just bitter because they were not selected.”
As the controversy deepens, calls for an independent investigation are growing louder, with many ghetto youth insisting that the President’s donation should reach its intended beneficiaries, not serve as a tool for enrichment or political manipulation.
About the Author
