By The Insight Post Uganda
Mukono – Uganda
Over 100 ghetto youths in Mukono district eagerly gathered at the Kame Valley Market ghetto youths offices to receive their share of the presidential beef packages, just in time for the Eid al-Fitr celebrations.
These young individuals came from different town centers, some of them traveling long distances from places like Kalagi, Goma, Mbalala, and Kyetume to get their hands on the much-awaited meat.
Despite the financial burden of spending between Ugx5,000 to Ugx10,000 on transportation, these youths were excited to receive their portions of the bull donated by President Yoweri Museveni.
However, their joy was somewhat tempered when they realized they would only receive about one kilogram each, a small amount compared to the high cost of beef in Mukono, which ranges between Ugx13,000 to Ugx15,000 per kilogram.
Nonetheless, they have applauded the president for thinking about them before requesting to increase the numbers of such donations (bulls) on similar days like this since they are many in numbers.
Dickson Mazinga, the chairperson of the ghetto youths in Mukono Municipality, confirmed that a bull was also donated for Christian youths during Christmas.
However, various individuals arrived after it had already been shared, missing out on the opportunity to receive their portion.
Darausi Ssenfuka, a beneficiary from the Goma division, had anticipated receiving three kilograms of beef and had set aside Ugx5,000 for transportation.
Despite only receiving one kilogram, he remained understanding of the situation, acknowledging that the overwhelming number of beneficiaries may have contributed to the limited portions.
Mukono is a rapidly growing town located on the outskirts of Kampala. While numerous industries are emerging in the area, the municipality continues to struggle with poorly planned ghettos and a rapidly expanding population.
As a result, a significant portion of the youth in Mukono is unemployed, largely due to a lack of skills and opportunities, leading to a culture of idleness.
Mike Ssegawa, the Deputy Residents District Commissioner, was present at the bull-sharing event and emphasized the urgent need to change the mindset of youth in Mukono.
He urged them to actively seek skilling programs, gainful employment, or government initiatives as a means of breaking out of the poverty or crime cycle.
According to Ssegawa, the President aims to reduce the wealth gap between the privileged and underprivileged individuals. However, to achieve this, he stressed the importance of abandoning criminal activities and using their energy and creativity to participate in the country’s growth and prosperity.
In addition, Ssegawa urged the ghetto youth to join government skilling and economic programs such as Parish Development Model enterprise groups, enabling them to access government funds and change their economic situation. He also promised to visit ghettos throughout the district to ensure that all populations understand government initiatives.
“We all have choices, and every choice we make has a consequence, whether positive or negative,” remarked Ssegawa. “It is crucial for the youth in the ghettos and other residents of Mukono to consciously choose to participate in their own prosperity by creating production hubs where they can share and multiply their talents and resources.
The government can support by organizing and providing start-up funds, but it is ultimately up to individuals to make those funds work for them. Positive changes in livelihood require hard work and commitment.”
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