President Museveni, through State House, has donated modern gym equipment to Kalerwe Boxing Club in Kawempe Division, Kampala, as part of his government’s ongoing youth empowerment initiatives.
The donation, valued at Shs 38 million, was handed over by Senior Presidential Advisor on Political Mobilization, Mr. Moses Byaruhanga, who noted that the contribution followed a direct request from the club. He said the President responded positively to the appeal aimed at promoting fitness and sports development among young people.
“When we went to purchase the equipment, we spent Shs 38 million. You should appreciate President Museveni for this support. Our role is to connect you with the President,” Mr. Byaruhanga said.
He encouraged the beneficiaries to put the equipment to good use, emphasizing that it should not be misused for unlawful activities.
In addition to the gym equipment, President Museveni extended a financial boost of Shs 10 million to the boxing club’s Savings and Credit Cooperative Organization (SACCO), to support members in starting or expanding small businesses.
“We shall monitor how you use this money. If it is well utilized, we will consider additional support,” Mr. Byaruhanga added, noting that similar financial support has been provided to other youth groups under government programs, with Shs 100 million already allocated to each ghetto SACCO in Kampala.
Mr. Byaruhanga also pledged further State House support for other gyms across Kampala.
However, he urged young people to be cautious about their political choices, criticizing some opposition leaders whom he accused of focusing solely on political rhetoric rather than addressing community needs.
“The opposition keeps saying ‘President Museveni must go,’ but he is going nowhere. You need leaders who prioritize your interests,” Mr. Byaruhanga stated.
He also encouraged the youth to participate in government poverty alleviation initiatives, including the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emyooga programs.
Further, he revealed that government will soon roll out additional financing schemes such as the Katale loan for market vendors and a special boda boda loan facility.
“The Katale loan has low interest rates; for example, if you borrow Shs 100,000, you pay Shs 1,000 in interest per month,” he explained.
He contrasted this with higher costs from private lenders for boda boda loans, saying, “Privately, you may pay up to Shs 12 million for a Shs 6 million boda boda. Under our scheme, you pay Shs 7.2 million over two years.”
