Kampala — The Manager of the Office of the National Chairman (ONC), Hajjat Hadijah ààNamyalo, on Thursday engaged youth groups from informal settlements across Kampala, presiding over the distribution of motorcycles and vocational tools in a drive aimed at improving livelihoods and strengthening grassroots mobilisation.
The event, held at the ONC headquarters in Kyambogo, brought together representatives of various ghetto youth groups.
Hajjat Namyalo commended them for their continued support for President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, describing their loyalty as a key pillar in sustaining the ruling party’s support base in urban areas.
“We appreciate your unwavering support for President Museveni. Your resilience and loyalty have played a significant role in sustaining his leadership, and it is only right that we stand with you in improving your livelihoods,” she said.
She also lauded city businesswoman Maria Markh Honda for what she described as consistent backing of ONC programmes, particularly initiatives targeting youth empowerment.
According to Namyalo, the businesswoman has, over time, supported the President’s “bazzukulu” with income-generating assets, including motorcycles.
During the function, 20 motorcycles were handed over to selected youth groups to support ventures such as boda boda transport services. Ms Markh Honda said each motorcycle costs more than Shs5 million, adding that her contribution is motivated by a desire to support national development and wealth creation.
“I am encouraged by the President’s efforts to uplift Ugandans from poverty, and as a private sector player, I feel obliged to contribute to that vision,” she said, urging beneficiaries to utilise the motorcycles productively.
In a parallel intervention targeting vulnerable women, SPA Namyalo donated sewing machines and related equipment to groups operating in Kampala’s ghettos, including sex workers. The beneficiaries, among them Kiwa Group, Dancers Group, and Kabalagala Women Group — are expected to use the equipment to establish tailoring businesses.
“This initiative is about giving you practical tools to change your lives. We want you to move from survival to sustainability by creating your own income and becoming self-reliant,” she said.
Youth engaged in mechanical work from areas such as Ndeeba, Kabalagala and Kisenyi also received toolboxes intended to improve productivity in their garages.
Hajjat Namyalo defended the outreach programme against critics, arguing that efforts to uplift disadvantaged communities should be supported rather than questioned.
She warned against individuals within government whom she accused of exploiting vulnerable youth for personal interests, maintaining that the ONC’s focus remains on genuine empowerment.
The initiative is part of ongoing efforts by the ONC to promote self-reliance and expand economic opportunities among urban youth and other marginalised groups.
