Mbale City, Uganda: A group of sex workers in Mbale City ghettos operating under the Mbale NEKO Association SACCo has issued a passionate reminder to President Museveni over his Shs100 million presidential pledge, made during the 2024 Bugisu Youth Symposium, saying they feel “forgotten” as the head of state prepares to visit the area on Monday, November 10, 2025.
The group’s concerns were raised during a Friday evening outreach led by the Office of the National Chairman (ONC) Manager, SPA Hajjat Hadijah Namyalo Uzeiye, who met the NEKO members as part of her mobilization drive across Mbale City.
The NEKO group, which brings together women engaged in commercial sex work across Bugisu, said the delay in receiving the pledged funds has deepened their economic hardship, despite their trust in the President’s commitment to empower “all Bazzukulu”, regardless of background.
“We have waited patiently for the President’s pledge to reach us. We want to join the money economy like everyone else. Many of us have left the streets, others want to start small businesses, but the delay has left us struggling again,” one group leader said during the meeting.
ONC Moves to Bridge the Gap
Responding to their plea, Hajjat Hadijah Namyalo, who also serves as the Chief Muzzukulu under the Office of the National Chairman (ONC) – NRM, reassured the group that their plight will be taken up with the President and relevant ministries for urgent follow-up.
“No group of Bazzukulu should be left behind,” Hajjat Namyalo said firmly. “The pledge made by Jajja was genuine, and we shall ensure it is fulfilled. The NRM’s focus is on empowering everyone, whether they are in the markets, boda stages, or ghettos.”
The ONC manager emphasized that the President’s empowerment agenda is not selective and that the NRM Government’s 33% transformation target, to move households from subsistence to the money economy, includes marginalized and stigmatized groups such as the NEKO association.
“These are our people too; mothers, sisters, and daughters who deserve a chance to live better lives. Empowering them is not charity; it’s part of building a fair economy that works for everyone,” Hajjat added.
Background to the Pledge
During the 2024 Bugisu Youth Symposium, organized by Hajjat Namyalo, President Museveni publicly pledged Shs100 million to support the NEKO group’s transition from sex work into productive ventures, including tailoring, catering, and hairdressing. The money was meant to be disbursed under the Presidential Initiative on Wealth Creation through his ONC.
However, nearly a year later, the group says they have not received the funds or any formal communication about the progress of the pledge. They have since appealed to Hajjat Namyalo to help expedite the process and raise their concerns before the President during his upcoming campaign visit to Mbale City.
“We want Jajja to know we still believe in his vision and leadership, but the situation on the ground is tough. We ask for his hand to lift us up as promised,” another member said.
Hajjat Namyalo, whose mobilization campaign under the ONC Ghetto Empowerment Drive has been championing inclusion and economic self-reliance among the youth, ghetto groups, and informal workers, said the President’s vision remains clear: to turn every Ugandan into a producer and participant in the national economy.
She urged the NEKO members to stay organized and patient as her office pursues the matter, assuring them that the government’s ongoing efforts under Emyooga, PDM, and Wealth Creation programs will soon cover all vulnerable categories, including sex workers.
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