The Director of Crime Intelligence at the Uganda Police Force and National Coordinator of the Ghetto Structure Programme, Maj. Gen. Christopher Ddamulira, has urged ghetto youth leaders in Busoga Sub-region to promote law-abiding communities and encourage young people to embrace productive activities instead of crime.
Ddamulira said government’s ghetto empowerment programme was designed to address the social and economic challenges affecting young people in informal settlements by providing them with opportunities for self-reliance.
He made the remarks on Monday, July 13, 2026, during the closing ceremony of the three-day Busoga Sub-region Ghetto Structure Leaders’ Retreat held at Bishop Willis Centre in Iganga Municipality.
The retreat, held under the theme “Empowering the Ghettos for a Crime-Free Society,” brought together leaders from 137 gazetted ghetto depots across the 11 districts and one city in Busoga.
“The President said you don’t need to go to jail; you need to live normally. But how do you live normally without something to eat? By working. That’s why he went ahead to empower you financially to start something for yourselves. This ghetto structure programme has been working well ever since we started it four years ago,” Ddamulira said.
He asked the leaders to use the knowledge gained from the retreat to support other youth in their communities and develop solutions to challenges facing young people.
“This retreat has been crucial because you have been educated, empowered and given direction as ghetto youth leaders. Now you should sit together as leaders and find solutions for the boys and girls you left behind,” he said.
Ddamulira revealed that government has so far injected Shs3.2 billion into ghetto SACCOs across the country to support youth-led economic activities.
“This means jobs, hope, a sense of direction and a future for you and your families. Your colleagues in Kampala and Mukono utilised the financial support so well that the President was impressed and promised to add another Shs5 billion to the Ghetto Structure Programme,” he said.
He added that the programme had been extended to Hoima, Masaka and Fort Portal, with plans to expand it to all cities in Uganda.
“We want to ensure that within the next five years, every ghetto youth has benefited from government funding,” Ddamulira said.
He also announced that a five-year master plan had been developed to guide youth participation in income-generating projects.
“We now have a five-year master plan that will help you engage in income-generating activities. Those are the plans you need instead of getting involved in crime. This master plan is aimed at putting money into your pockets,” he said.
Ddamulira urged ghetto youth to avoid criminal activities, drug abuse, political violence and involvement in land conflicts.
He said crime negatively affects communities through loss of lives, destruction of property, reduced investment and damage to the country’s image.
“You cannot fight crime and build a crime-free society without addressing the challenges facing ghetto youth,” he said.
On political violence, Ddamulira warned young people against being used by individuals who benefit while those involved on the ground face arrest and other consequences.
“Violence does not pay, especially for the foot soldiers. The ring leaders are usually the biggest beneficiaries. Their bank accounts are credited, they easily obtain visas, acquire properties abroad and secure bail when arrested. The foot soldiers are left to face prison or even lose their lives,” he said.
He also cautioned youth against accepting money to participate in land disputes.
“No one should hire you to fight for someone’s land. That habit must stop,” he said.
Ddamulira encouraged youth leaders to participate in governance by contesting for leadership positions, including Local Council I seats.
“I am happy that many of you are ready and willing to participate in the governance of this country. Contest for LC I positions and other leadership offices,” he said.
He proposed establishing a platform where reformed youth can share their experiences to inspire others.
“When other ghetto youth hear such testimonies, they too can be encouraged to reform,” he said.
Speaking at the event, Special Presidential Assistant on Press and Mobilisation and Deputy Presidential Press Secretary Alhaji Faruk Kirunda announced the launch of a five-year rehabilitation plan targeting Busoga’s ghettos.
Kirunda said funds provided to ghetto SACCOs had been put to productive use, with recovery of revolving funds already underway.
“Namayingo District has already recovered Shs3 million, and the recovery process is continuing,” he said.
He directed Busoga Ghetto Giant Blessing Byakika to work with security agencies to eliminate illegal and ungazetted ghetto depots.
Kirunda added that government would support organised youth groups that have effectively used the presidential funding with equipment for welding, soap making and other income-generating activities.
He said support would also be extended to roadside vendors, meat and gonja roasters operating in gazetted locations, while plans were underway to establish a music studio for talented youth and create employment opportunities through road maintenance projects.
Namayingo Resident District Commissioner Eva Nalongo Kwesiga urged ghetto youth to maintain discipline and uphold the trust placed in them.
“To the ghetto youth, do not betray the trust and support being extended to you. Remain reformed and become responsible citizens,” she said.
She said crime had reduced in Namayingo following the transformation of many youth through the programme.
The NRM Chairperson for Busoga Sub-region, Haji Abubakar Walubi, praised the initiative, saying it had contributed to positive changes among young people.
“There has been tremendous transformation among you, and we should never take it for granted,” he said.
During the retreat, Busoga Ghetto Giant Blessing Byakika received a motorcycle to support coordination activities across the sub-region.
The retreat was organised by the Office of the Special Presidential Assistant on Press and Mobilisation in partnership with the Uganda Police Force Directorate of Crime Intelligence.
