Makindye Municipality's Assistant Resident City Commissioner (RCC), Florence Mirembe Mwebe, has called for greater transparency and accountability in government development programs, emphasizing their role in achieving tangible community benefits. Speaking during a series of monitoring visits to areas including Luwafu, Kizungu, Nsambya, and Lusaka-Madirisa, Mwebe praised the State House Youth Wealth Creation Programme for improving local livelihoods and commended President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and State House Comptroller Jane Barekye for their support. She specifically highlighted the program’s coordinator, Faisal Ndase, for his efforts in ensuring transparency, urging other officials to emulate his approach.
Mwebe’s visits revealed significant economic improvements among beneficiaries, with many reporting enhanced financial stability. Juliet Busulwa from Nsambya credited the program with enabling her to earn 25,000 shillings daily, stating, “Before I received the support, my situation was difficult, but things have now changed.” Gorret Nambuya, who received initial aid in the form of flour and cooking oil, later faced a fire that damaged her property. After informing Ndase, she received one million shillings in financial assistance, which she used to launch a shoe business still in operation today. “I am very grateful to President Museveni,” she said, acknowledging the program’s impact on her recovery.
Ndase confirmed that most beneficiaries were progressing well but noted ongoing challenges affecting some businesses. He pledged to collaborate with authorities to address these issues and assured communities yet to benefit from the program that they would be prioritized. Mwebe also encouraged residents to engage with available government initiatives, stressing the importance of responsible use of support and timely repayment of recoverable funds to ensure sustainability. The program’s success underscores broader public-interest implications, as economists have warned that rising debt servicing costs could strain Uganda’s economy, potentially limiting private sector growth.
The State House Youth Wealth Creation Programme’s model of grassroots engagement and accountability has drawn attention as a potential framework for other initiatives. Mwebe’s advocacy for transparency aligns with calls from civil society to strengthen oversight mechanisms in public spending. As the program continues to expand, its ability to balance immediate relief with long-term economic empowerment will remain critical for addressing Uganda’s persistent challenges in poverty reduction and equitable development.