Museveni Advisor Reiterates Plan to Inject Shs200m into Each Kampala Youth SACCO

Senior Presidential Advisor on Political Mobilisation Moses Byaruhanga has reiterated President Yoweri Museveni’s plan to inject Shs200 million into each youth SACCO in Kampala’s five divisions as part of efforts to expand economic opportunities for young people.

Byaruhanga said the funding, which was initially expected to be provided last year, was delayed by the general elections.

“We are going to give you that money. We were supposed to do it last year, but the elections came in,” he told youth in Kawempe Division.

He was speaking on Friday, August 14, 2026, while officiating as chief guest at belated Youth Day celebrations organised by the Kawempe Youth Council under its chairperson, Isaac Sebuufu.

Byaruhanga encouraged young people to embrace entrepreneurship and focus on creating employment rather than relying solely on formal jobs.

He pointed to government programmes such as the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emyooga, urging youth leaders to ensure that the 30 percent PDM allocation earmarked for young people benefits its intended recipients.

“We have various initiatives such as the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emyooga. I urge you as youth leaders to make sure that the 30 percent PDM share meant for the youth fully benefits them,” he said.

PDM funding

Byaruhanga also reiterated the government’s plan to increase PDM funding from Shs100 million to Shs300 million per parish, saying the move is intended to enable more people to benefit from the programme.

He dismissed claims that the Shs1 million PDM allocation per beneficiary has had little impact in Kampala, urging critics to visit beneficiaries and assess the results for themselves.

“I don’t agree with someone saying that the Shs1 million PDM money has not been impactful in Kampala. Take time to visit several beneficiaries in the city; they will prove you otherwise. Many people have been able to utilise the funds and their lives have improved,” he said.

However, Byaruhanga raised concerns about the performance of Emyooga SACCOs in Kampala, revealing that only 303 of the 566 SACCOs were functional, while 263 had ceased operations.

He said the government would assess the existing Emyooga SACCOs, reorganise them and provide additional funding to those with potential.

“For the Emyooga SACCOs which perform well, we always do top-ups of Shs20 million. If properly utilised, the SACCOs can grow their savings and capital to hundreds of millions of shillings over time. We are going to do an assessment on the existing Emyooga SACCOs, reorganise them and inject more money,” he said.

According to Byaruhanga, the government provides about Shs100 billion annually in Emyooga top-up funding.

He added that, as with PDM, the government wants to improve transparency by ensuring that funds are sent directly to beneficiaries’ accounts.

Boda boda, Katale loans

Byaruhanga also addressed concerns surrounding Katale and boda boda loans, saying the programmes are already in place and that the government is working on mechanisms to make it easier for eligible beneficiaries to access the funds.

He said President Museveni injected Shs12 billion into boda boda SACCOs in Kampala last year, in addition to Shs100 million for each ghetto SACCO.

“However, we should ask ourselves how these SACCOs are utilising these funds,” he said.

Common-user facility for skilled youth

Byaruhanga also announced that the government has established a common-user facility in Mulago II Parish to provide skilled young people with access to machinery and equipment for manufacturing products such as shoes, bags, belts, sweaters, books and sanitary pads.

He said youth would initially be allowed to use the machinery free of charge, with modest charges for utilities such as electricity and water expected to be introduced later.

“In the first year, you are not required to pay anything to use these machines. However, in the following years, we shall require you to pay a little fee for electricity and water. All this is done for you, the youth, to make money and fight poverty,” he said.

Youth urged to change mindset

The Deputy Resident City Commissioner for Kawempe Division, Kagenyi Lukka, told the youth that the government considers them central to Uganda’s development and cited programmes such as the Youth Livelihood Programme, Emyooga, PDM and skilling hubs as initiatives aimed at empowering them.

He, however, said empowerment goes beyond financial support and requires a change in mindset.

“But empowerment is not just money. It is a mindset. It is believing that a boda rider can become a fleet owner. That a salonist can become a brand. That a coder in Bwaise can export services to the world,” Lukka said.

“Don’t wait to be employed. Create employment.”

He further challenged young people to use their skills and talents to serve their communities, protect the environment and contribute to the development of Kawempe.

Sebuufu said the Youth Day celebrations were intended to go beyond a one-day event and create lasting opportunities for young people in the division.

“We have youth here who are going to showcase their different skills to inspire others,” he said.

He added that the celebrations also brought essential services closer to residents, including a medical camp and services from the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA).

Sebuufu, who also leads the Mzeei Nju-Ku-nju Movement, thanked President Museveni and Byaruhanga for supporting the initiative, saying the support had contributed to the group’s mobilisation activities during the recent general elections.