Buyende, Uganda: Young mothers and youth groups in Buyende District have received Shs105 million from Right to Play to strengthen their savings groups, with a renewed call for financial discipline, productivity and a shift away from negative community behaviours.
Handing over the support to 30 youth groups at the Buyende District Headquarters, Brenda Aber, the SHARE Project Manager, urged beneficiaries to invest the funds wisely to transform their livelihoods and improve access to sexual reproductive health information and services.
“We are happy to contribute to youth economic empowerment in response to their request during community mentorship activities. This support, funded by Global Affairs Canada, should boost your livelihoods,” Aber said.
Buyende District Chairperson Michael Kanaku noted that the district has for years ranked among the worst in defilement, child marriage and school dropouts, but is gradually improving due to community dialogues, youth-focused interventions and partner support.
“Right to Play, SHARE, Plan International and others have intervened in these vices. When youth group efforts are boosted, it gives hope, drives mindset change and places them on a productive path that reduces social vices while complementing government poverty alleviation programs,” he stated.
Kanaku encouraged the youth to proactively engage with government programs such as Emyooga, the Youth Livelihood Fund, and the Parish Development Model (PDM) to diversify their income and reduce dependency.
“You must stay productively engaged and self-employed instead of crying over unemployment and poverty,” he advised.
Right to Play Uganda Country Director Titus Tumusiime highlighted the need for equipping young mothers and youth with financial literacy, business skills and life-saving social competencies.
“When these young people and mothers meet essential needs, re-enrol in school and access the right health information, they gain confidence to make informed decisions and face life positively,” Tumusiime said.
Brenda Kitimbo, leader of the Mirembe Youth Group, which comprises child mothers and out-of-school adolescent girls, praised Right to Play for rescuing vulnerable young women from exploitation and stigma.
“The counselling, business and life skills support has saved many young mothers. Many have returned to school, care for their children and now make informed decisions,” she said.
Village champion Dison Muzaaya from Ngole Community, Bugaya Subcounty, narrated how the youth, once involved in petty crime following the eviction of fishermen from Lake Kyoga, formed a weekly savings group that has now grown to Shs10 million in capital.
“Right to Play has boosted us again with Shs3.5 million. We are now expanding into modern goat and poultry keeping,” he explained.
Ms Kitimbo, however, expressed concern over the stringent requirements that make it difficult for youth groups to access the PDM.
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