In Summary: Beneficiaries of the ONC Empowerment Initiative have appealed to President Yoweri Museveni to remain in power while defending Hajjat Hadijah Namyalo against criticism, as they credited her grassroots interventions with improving their livelihoods and called for urgent road improvements in Greater Luwero.
Kampala, Uganda — Supporters of President Museveni from Greater Luwero have urged him not to leave power, while defending Hajjat Hadijah Namyalo against criticism, in a politically charged meeting at the Office of the National Chairman (ONC) in Kyambogo.
The delegation, comprising local NRM leaders and beneficiaries of the ONC Empowerment Initiative, Thursday paid a courtesy visit to Namyalo, the ONC Manager and Senior Presidential Advisor on Political Affairs, where they praised her grassroots mobilisation and empowerment activities.
Led by Greater Luwero Regional Coordinator Wasswa Tamale Abdukarim, the group used the meeting to declare continued support for Museveni, defend Namyalo’s leadership and appeal for improved road infrastructure in the Luwero Corridor.
“We still love President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, and we ask him not to leave the seat because of pressure from self-seekers. We appreciate his leadership and the work being done to transform our communities,” said Mr Karungi Yunusu Kabuzi, the NRM Chairperson for Nakaseke Town Council.
Mr Kabuzi compared Namyalo to a productive tree that attracts people seeking to shake it because of the fruits it bears, urging her not to be discouraged by criticism.
“A tree that bears good fruits will always attract people who want to shake it. Hajjat, remain strong and continue serving the people. We know what you are doing for our communities, and we pray that God continues to give you strength and protection,” he said.
But beyond the political declarations, the delegation also raised infrastructure concerns, asking Museveni to prioritise roads connecting communities in Greater Luwero. Mr Kabuzi specifically cited the Kisuule-Kapeeka Road, Zirobwe-Kikyusa and Bamugolodde routes, arguing that improved connectivity would boost trade and economic activities.
The meeting also provided an opportunity for beneficiaries to recount how equipment and productive assets distributed under the ONC Empowerment Initiative had helped them establish or expand small businesses.
Sevire Hakim, a poultry farmer from Luwero Town Council, said his chicken stock had grown from an initial 200 to approximately 500 following support received through the programme.
Hakim recalled receiving chickens during Namyalo’s visit to the area, when the initiative also distributed chickens and goats to residents in Zirobwe Town Council. He credited Namyalo’s leadership with extending economic opportunities to ordinary people, saying the support had enabled beneficiaries to improve their livelihoods.
“You have been a mother to everyone ever since you came into this office. You have not only talked about empowering people but have also reached out to us and given us the tools to improve our lives. I received chickens, and today I have grown my poultry business from 200 to about 500 chickens. We are grateful to you and President Museveni for remembering ordinary people,” Hakim said.
Kavuma Twaha, a farmer engaged in cattle rearing and poultry farming from Bamunanika Constituency, also praised the initiative, saying the support had created opportunities for beneficiaries to develop sustainable sources of income and support their families.
“Chief Muzzukulu, we thank you for remembering people at the grassroots. We are seeing the impact of your work in our homes and communities. As farmers, the support you have extended to us has given us an opportunity to grow our enterprises, support our families and become self-reliant. Please remain strong because the work you are doing is changing lives,” he said.
Another beneficiary, Kirungi Aisha, said the poultry support had enabled her to engage in productive economic activity and improve her family’s welfare, while Nakafero Florence, who received goats, thanked Namyalo for remaining connected to communities.
Nsozi Peter Mawejje, the ONC Coordinator for Luwero, said the initiative had extended support beyond livestock to include welding machines, salon equipment and bricklaying machines.
He argued that such resources had opened up opportunities for people who previously lacked the capital and equipment to establish businesses.
Abdukarim Tamale, the Greater Luwero Regional Coordinator, said the interventions had made a difference in communities across the sub-region and asked Museveni to continue supporting the ONC.
“Your Excellency, we ask you to continue empowering the Office of the National Chairman because this is your face on the ground. Over the last five years, we have witnessed the impact of Hajjat Namyalo’s work in our communities. The people of Greater Luwero appreciate what she has done for them, and we can testify to the lives that have changed through these empowerment initiatives,” he said.
He also dismissed criticism directed at Namyalo, arguing that her work among ordinary citizens had earned her both appreciation and opposition. “Those fighting Hajjat should understand that she is serving the interests of ordinary people. When you stand with the people and work for their benefit, you will inevitably attract criticism. But we encourage her to remain focused because the people on the ground appreciate her work,” Tamale added.
In response to their concerns, Hajjat Namyalo thanked the beneficiaries for putting the equipment and other resources to productive use, saying the success of empowerment programmes depended on the commitment of recipients.
“Thank you for being hardworking and productive. If you do not work, you are killing the future of your children. I am so grateful and proud that, at least, I have tried to change the lives of some people,” she said.
She urged beneficiaries to expand their businesses and embrace government programmes intended to improve household incomes and reduce poverty. Namyalo said the initiative was designed to go beyond distributing equipment by helping recipients become economically independent and create better opportunities for their families.
She also explained that some of the empowerment resources had been secured through engagements with well-wishers outside government and State House, saying there were Ugandans willing and able to support initiatives aimed at improving people’s livelihoods. She assured those who had been identified for assistance but were yet to receive their items that efforts were underway to ensure they benefited.
The ONC Empowerment Initiative was introduced in 2023 to promote household wealth creation through the distribution of productive assets and start-up equipment. These have included hair dryers, welding machines, chicks, goats and other resources intended to help beneficiaries establish income-generating activities.
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