Published on 11/11/2024
The Minister for General Duties in the office of the Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Justine Kasule Lumumba has asked youths in Bugiri district to embrace government programmes citing that the government is so considerate to all classes of people while implementing these programmes.
Hon Lumumba says with emphasis on the poverty alleviation programme of the Parish Development Model (PDM), the government set aside 30% of the Shs100 million in each parish to cater for youths and she was surprised to hear that some youths were being left behind in this programme.
The Minister was on Friday gracing the belated International Youths’ Day celebrations at Bulume Primary School in Busowa Town Council, Bugiri District where she asked youths to grab their percentage off the PDM.
“I am surprised to hear that youths are not enjoying their 30% portion of the PDM funds. I want to implore you to be part of this programme because you have your percentage which is equal to that of the women and I want to warn those people asking for money to include the youths,” Minister Lumumba said.
Hon Lumumba warned whoever tries to cripple government programmes after a report from the district youths chairperson noting that they were facing challenges in getting PDM funds where implementers ask for bribes from beneficiaries and considering their closest associates rather than following the right procedures in the disbursement of funds.
Regarding proper utilization of their resources, the Minister asked people with small pieces of land to embrace the new government initiative of palm oil because they have small pieces of land. “It takes four years to harvest and the government will give you money to look after the garden and your family and you will be required to pay back when you start harvesting,” she said.
The Woman Member of Parliament for Bugiri district Hon. Taaka Agnes assured youths of total support and trashed information about misrepresenting the people of Bugiri, which she attributed to political pressure on the side of her opponents. She promised to resume skilling the youths in the district.
“I have for a long time moved with youths, especially through skilling projects to ensure that you get jobs. I want to assure you that the skilling programme is going to resume again and I want the project to be better and I have to fulfil whatever I have ever initiated,” Hon. Taaka said before encouraging youths to embrace the PDM programme.
The chairperson of youths for Bugiri district Mr. Okeya Joseph asked the government to ensure inclusiveness of the youths in all government programmes especially the PDM saying a number of them have missed out on the programme because some implementers are selecting their relatives while others are asking for bribes.
The functions brought together a number of youths from Bugiri and some exhibited their products made from the skills they’ve learnt to the Minister who was the chief guest before the official start of the function.
About the rumours that she will contest for Member of Parliament Bukooli central constituency, Hon Lumumba asked her supporters to be patient saying she will come with the right answer at the right time. She urged leaders to always conduct meetings on service delivery rather than only talking about it during functions.
