KAMPALA, UGANDA: The Office of the National Chairman (ONC) of the National Resistance Movement, under the stewardship of Senior Presidential Advisor and ONC Manager Hadijah Namyalo Uzeiye, has intensified its urban empowerment drive, with a whopping donation of 20 motorcycles, sewing machines and mechanical tools worth over Shs100 million to youth groups in Kampala’s informal settlements.
The items were distributed on Thursday, March 26, during an event at Kyambogo, where more than 500 youths from different Ghettos around Kampala gathered to secure the empowerment package from the Chief Muzzukulu.
Speaking at the colourful handover ceremony, Hajjat Namyalo applauded the youths for their resilience and continued support for Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, describing the initiative as a practical intervention against urban poverty.
“This support is meant to empower you to create sustainable income and improve your lives. These are not loans—these are opportunities. Use them wisely to transform your future,” Namyalo said.
She emphasised that the donations are free of charge and urged beneficiaries to safeguard the equipment and maximise its impact. “We are giving you tools to work, not to sell. Let this be the starting point for your economic independence,” she added.
DailyExpress understands that the motorcycles were donated by Kampala businesswoman Ms Maria Namusoke, the Founder and CEO of Markh Investments, as part of a growing public-private effort to boost youth livelihoods.
Namusoke, who has become an empowerment partner with the Kyambogo office, said her continued support for ONC programmes is driven by a commitment to national development and job creation, especially among the youth.
“These motorcycles are meant to help young people earn a living and support their families. When youth are empowered, the entire country benefits,” she said.
Her continued partnership with ONC, which now runs over three years, has seen more than 100 motorcycles distributed across Kampala and the metropolitan area. “We shall continue supporting this initiative as long as it contributes to reducing unemployment and uplifting communities,” Namusoke added.
Among the beneficiary groups under the boda boda initiative included ghettos from Kisenyi I, Kisenyi III, Kiwa Ghetto, Ssekamwa Group, King Zale Group, Gaza, and Lipanda Group.
Women, Mechanics Also Benefit
Beyond boda boda groups, Namyalo extended support to vulnerable women by donating sewing machines with full accessories to enable them to start tailoring businesses, while youth engaged in mechanics from areas such as Ndeeba, Kabalagala and Kisenyi also received toolboxes to strengthen their trade and improve income generation.
Beneficiaries this publication spoke to welcomed the intervention, describing it as life-changing. “We have struggled for years without stable income. This motorcycle will help me provide for my family,” said Ssalongo Musa, a ghetto youth leader from Kisenyi.
A member of Kabalagala Women Group, identified as Aisha Nakato, said the sewing machine offers a new beginning. “Many of us have been looking for ways to survive. Now we can start tailoring and earn honestly,” she said.
The ONC programme is part of a broader government strategy to promote self-reliance, reduce urban poverty, and create sustainable livelihoods among youth and marginalised groups.
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