Published on 25/01/2025
The Senior Presidential Advisor/Political Assistant at the Office of the National Chairman (ONC), Hajjat Hadijah Namyalo Uzeiye, has vowed to ensure that government officials accused of mishandling funds meant for the ghettos in Mubende are held accountable for their actions and compelled to return the stolen funds.
Ms Namyalo was addressing thousands of Bazzukulu who gathered at Kasaana Grounds in Mubende Subcounty during an extended empowerment outreach aimed at improving the livelihoods of President Museveni’s Bazzukulu in the central Uganda district.
Organized by ONC under Hajjat Namyalo’s stewardship, together with Mubende District Woman MP Hon. Grania Nakazibwe, the outreach saw thousands of Bazzukulu receive capital items and tools such as sewing machines, popcorn machines, sprayers, grass cutters, chips-making machines, hair clippers, and more, for wealth creation and self-empowerment.
Speaking at the empowerment activity, Moses Tumusiime Santo of Santino Ghetto Youth and Unit, one of the beneficiary groups, reported to the President through Hajjat Namyalo’s office how elected leaders often neglect them and only approach them during election time. They requested that this trend change if the President is to maintain popularity among his Bazzukulu.
“Hajjat, there are no youths in these ghettos who will feel bad about this government if, after voting President Museveni in 2026, such initiatives continue and stay active in our hoods,” he said, adding; “But the problem is that you come during election season and vanish after taking our votes.”
The ghetto leader also reported that the funds allocated to their ghettos by the President were embezzled. He specifically mentioned that they received less than the allotted amounts. “For instance, out of the Shs100 million meant for our 20 ghettos, we only got Shs40 million, with the remaining Shs60 million vanishing under unclear circumstances.”
In response to the claims, Hajjat Namyalo promised to follow up on the matter with the relevant authorities through the NRM National Chairman’s office. She assured them that if any officials are found guilty of mishandling the ghetto funds, they would be held accountable for their actions.
“I will follow up on this issue with the relevant authorities. If anyone is found guilty, they will face justice and be held accountable,” she promised.
The ONC Boss also emphasized that the Mubende empowerment outreach was just a tip of the iceberg of what Jajja wa Bazzukulu is ‘cooking’ for them. She urged them to bring their grievances directly to the President on Saturday, January 26, as he will be in the district for the 39th NRM Liberation Day Celebrations.
“This is just kulozako (a glimpse) of how effective government programs can be in fighting poverty in our families if well implemented,” Hajjat Namyalo said. She rallied the beneficiary groups to embrace programs such as PDM, Emyooga, and Youth Livelihoods for continuous wealth-creation activities in their homes.
The District Woman MP, Hon. Grania Nakazibwe, thanked President Museveni for his visionary leadership under the NRM government, which she said has transformed the district with better road infrastructure, hospitals, and schools.
She reiterated that ONC chose to bring the empowerment initiative to Mubende as a precursor to the NRA/M Liberation Day celebrations (happening tomorrow at the National Teachers’ College) to honour Mubende’s role in the war that brought the current government to power.
“Mubende is where the first bullet of the NRA was fired, and for us, having empowerment from the Office of the NRM National Chairman is a bonus as we prepare to welcome the President tomorrow,” Hon. Nakazibwe said.
The RDC of Mubende District, Al Hajji Lule Umar Mawiya, expressed gratitude to President Museveni for appointing Hajjat Namyalo as ONC Manager. He commended her for exceeding expectations with the iconic empowerment initiative for the Bazzukulu and for reviving the Jajja Tova Ku Main Agenda.
“The President made the right choice to put you [Hajjat] in that office (ONC). The youths are very grateful for your empowerment package and the gospel of wealth creation you always bring to them. This is a very good gesture,” Al Hajji Mawiya noted.
Other notable leaders, including LC5 Chairperson Mr Micheal Muhereza Ntambi, subcounty chairpersons, district NRM leaders, and others, also attended the event.
The gathering at Kasaana Grounds climaxed with thrilling performances from musicians Vinka, Lil Pazo, Gravity Omutujju, and others, leaving the Bazzukulu in awe of excitement and enjoyment.
