With just two months to Uganda’s general elections, Democratic Party Vice President Fred Mukasa Mbidde claims that President Yoweri Museveni is channeling billions of shillings into Kampala’s ghettos to calm restless youth.
Mbidde says top military generals have admitted that Museveni fears the influence of ghetto youth, who could be mobilized by opposition parties or foreign actors to trigger unrest.
“I asked a senior General why the President is concerned about Kampala, given that the city is unlikely to support him,” Mbidde said.
“He said ignoring these young people could lead to chaos, as they have nothing to lose.”
Billions Flowing to Urban Poor Areas
Over the past year, the government has poured substantial funds into ghetto-based groups and SACCOs:
In December 2023, Museveni gave Shs1.2 billion to 12 SACCOs, each receiving Shs100 million, claiming it would help youth earn a living and stay away from crime.
By mid-2025, the Parish Development Model (PDM) increased funding to Shs1 billion annually for every ghetto parish, covering areas like Kisenyi, Katwe, Bwaise, and Kamwokya.
Museveni describes the programs as part of ensuring that “the ghetto is not left behind in the country’s development journey.”
Political Motives
Observers say the timing is strategic: Kampala consistently votes against the ruling NRM party. A senior government source told reporters the funds are meant to “keep the peace” and prevent election-related violence.
Mbidde disagrees, arguing the generosity is politically driven:
“If these programs were truly about empowerment, they wouldn’t only appear before elections.”
Whether the billions will win over Kampala’s youth remains uncertain, but it is clear that Museveni is using money as a key tool in the battle for the city’s support.
