Masaka Ghetto youths get startup capital from government

Government has extended a helping hand to ghetto youths in Masaka by providing startup capital to enable them begin their own businesses.

The initiative, spearheaded by President Yoweri Museveni through the Office of the National Chairman (ONC), aims to empower over 500 beneficiaries from various ghettos in Masaka sub-region to start their own businesses.

Hajjati Hadijah Namyaalo, representing the president distributed the item  at Kasana Playground in Nyendo, Masaka.

Beneficiaries received  support to start businesses in various fields such as agriculture products, salon materials, metal fabrication machines, popcorn making machines, chapati making, tailoring machines among others.

"We are committed to empowering our youth and reducing poverty in Uganda. This initiative is a step towards achieving that goal. So, I urge you to utilize it wisely. "We want to see you succeed and become self-sufficient,"Namyalo said.

Jjaja Khahu Kahonge, the leader of the ghetto youth, thanked the government for the support, promising to utilize the start up capital effectively.

"This support is a game-changer for us," said  Kahonge.

"We have been struggling to make ends meet, but with this support, we can start our own businesses and improve our lives. So, we will not disappoint you, we will use this support to improve our lives and become productive citizens," he said.

Peter Ssenkungu, the NRM chairperson for Masaka, urged the beneficiaries to work hard and utilize the support to improve their lives.

"We want to see you succeed and become self-sufficient," he said.

Shafik Mwanje, the NRM chairperson for Bukomansimbi, also urged the beneficiaries to be mindful of fraudsters who may try to swindle them of their money.

"Be cautious and use this support wisely," he said.

Hudu Hussein, the RCC of Masaka, urged the beneficiaries to utilize the start up capital wisely and avoid being swindled by fraudsters.

He also urged ghetto youths to use their offices to benefit from other government programs that come to eradicate poverty such as Emyooga, Parish development model, youth livelihood programme, among others.

"We want to see you succeed and become self-sufficient, and avoid being used by politicians who tell you to strike and then gain money," he said.

Ali Katerega, a local leader from the National Unity Platform (NUP), praised the initiative, urging President Museveni to continue supporting the youths as he thinks of those who were arrested in the 2021 general election to realize and feel the sweetness of their country.

"We appreciate the government's efforts to empower our youth, and we urge them to continue supporting their endeavours," he said.