Speaker Pledges to Take Shs13bn Ghetto Kids Proposal to Museveni

The Speaker of Parliament, Jacob Oboth-Oboth, has pledged to personally present a Shs13 billion funding proposal by the Triplets Ghetto Kids to President Yoweri Museveni to support the construction of a rehabilitation and skilling centre for vulnerable youth. Oboth-Oboth committed while hosting the internationally acclaimed dance troupe at his Chambers at Parliament following their recent performance alongside global music stars Shakira and Burna Boy at the World Cup.

Speaker Oboth Oboth in a group photo with the Ghetto Kids

The Ghetto Kids were led by their founder, Dauda Kavuma, and the Inspire Triplets Ghetto Kids Foundation Director for Projects and Corporate Communications, Wisdom Enoch Ronnin. Oboth-Oboth said the group’s rise from humble beginnings to the international stage demonstrated the potential of young Ugandans when allowed to develop their talents.

“You have moved from the ghetto to the world stage. You have performed alongside global stars like Shakira and Burna Boy at the World Cup; that is an achievement to be proud of,” he said. He said he identified with the group’s story of humble beginnings, recalling that he once fetched water to raise school fees.

“Your story reminds me of my own humble beginnings. Never be ashamed of where you started. Your circumstances do not have to determine where you end up. You are now role models,” Oboth-Oboth said. The proposed centre is intended to provide rehabilitation, education and practical skills to vulnerable youth across Uganda.

Ronnin said the facility would include classrooms, professional workshops and production centres, allowing beneficiaries to acquire practical skills and develop their talents. The Speaker urged the Ghetto Kids to remain disciplined and use their success to inspire other young people.

“There are many young children looking at you and believing that they too can make something of themselves. Stay humble. Stay disciplined. Value education. Work hard and never forget where you came from. You have achieved a lot already, but I believe this is only the beginning,” he said.

Several MPs who attended the reception, including Gerald Karuhanga, Hajji Abdul Bisaso, Moses Koire and Dr. Sylvia Arinaitwe, pledged cross-party support for the proposed centre. Karuhanga said the group had made Uganda proud and urged them to remain ambitious.

“I have watched your videos over a hundred times; you have made us proud. Ambitious origins do not limit destiny. It is not where you start, but what you achieve in life. All MPs will support your cause,” he said. Oboth-Oboth said Parliament would support the group’s efforts to use art and education to transform the lives of vulnerable young people. He also gave the group Shs10 million as a personal token of support.