By Spy Uganda

Kampala: The Head of the State House Anti-Corruption Unit, Brig. Gen. Henry Isoke, and the Minister of State for Youths, Hon. Balaam Barugahara, have urged the youth to embrace development and wealth creation initiatives while desisting from corruption.

Brig. Gen. Isoke and Minister Barugahara made these remarks on Wednesday, October 30, 2024 while addressing NRM Youth Cadre Association at the launch of their SACCO at Makerere University Auditorium.

In his address, Hon. Barugahara congratulated the youth for their initiative and urged them to leverage government programs such as the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emyooga to improve their welfare.

He emphasized the importance of creativity, starting small, and working steadily toward long-term goals. “Building wealth is a journey that requires patience and perseverance,” he said, reminding the youth to respect the laws and uphold the reputation of the NRM.

Brig. Gen. Isoke commended the Association’s chairman, Mr. Ahumuza Penkson, for mobilizing the youth around such a promising initiative. He stressed the importance of transparency and accountability in managing SACCO affairs and pledged continued collaboration between the Anti-Corruption Unit and the youth association.

Brig. Gen. Muhumuza, Deputy Coordinator of Operation Wealth Creation (OWC), echoed the need for good governance and sustainable investment as foundations for the SACCO’s success. He encouraged the youth to remain organized and united in their efforts.

Canon Benson Turamye, Executive Director of the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Authority (PPDA), highlighted government support for youth initiatives highlighting the 2021 amendment to the PPDA Act, which mandates all government entities to allocate 15% of procurement budgets to youth-led projects.

The event was attended by other notable figures including Prof. Peter Baguma, Chairman of NRM Makerere University, Prof. Edward Bantu of Kabale University and officials from the Uganda Microfinance Regulatory Authority and the Kampala Metropolitan Police. The launch marks a significant step toward empowering youth through financial inclusion and entrepreneurship.