Iganga, Uganda: Youth leaders in Iganga District have appealed to government to establish skilling and leadership hubs to help young people effectively utilize funds received under the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Youth Livelihood Programme (YLP).
Speaking during the belated International Youth Day celebrations held at the district headquarters, the youths commended President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for supporting them through several empowerment programmes, including Emyooga and the 30% youth allocation in other government initiatives.
The event, organized under the theme “Transforming the Youth Through Technology and Partnership”, marked the official handover of leadership from outgoing Youth League Chairperson Dhaala Sanon, now Deputy RDC for Masindi District, to his successor Gwaita Franco.
Gwaita lauded government for its continued investment in youth development but said that without proper guidance and technical training, many beneficiaries misuse the funds meant to uplift their livelihoods.
“We thank President Museveni for tripling the PDM funds which will see at least 90 youths supported every financial year. However, we request that these funds come with skilling hubs and mentorship programmes to help the youth apply the money productively,” Gwaita said.
He emphasized that while many young people have benefited from PDM and YLP, the absence of technical support has led to poor utilization of funds. “A youth can receive Shs5 million but without proper training, they may not invest it wisely,” he added.
The ceremony, funded by Iganga Woman MP Hon. Kauma Sauda Alibaawo, drew hundreds of youths from all sub-counties across the district and featured performances from artists including Bebe Cool, Acidic Vokoz, and several Busoga-based entertainers who rallied youths to support President Museveni in the forthcoming 2026 general elections.
Hon. Alibaawo praised government for its continued efforts toward youth empowerment and development, particularly through PDM and the Ghetto Youths Initiative, but urged further action to cover the many unemployed youths still left out.
“I thank President Museveni for allocating Shs100 million to ghetto youths per district. However, in Iganga, the number of unemployed youths remains high, and I appeal for increased support so that all can benefit,” she said.
Outgoing youth leader Dhaala Sanon, now Masindi Deputy RDC, joined the call for sustained youth empowerment and rallied young people in Iganga to back the NRM government, saying its policies have consistently prioritized youth livelihoods and inclusion.
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