TORTURE: Bishop Stuart Mbarara University Lecturer, Atwongyriwe Remanded For Burning Maid
Shift Media News 
By PATRICK JARAMOGI
KAMPALA, Uganda= SHIFT MEDIA= In a move aimed at empowering the ghetto community in Katanga, Director of Crime Intelligence, Gen. Christopher Damulira, on Thursday urged the youth to save and form Savings and Credit Cooperative Societies (SACCOs) to benefit from government support.
Addressing the ghetto youth at The Rescue Mission International Ministry in Katanga Wandegeya, Damulira said. “There is no free money, government can only come in to support you when you are organized in SACCOs and are saving.” He stressed further, “Saving is the only way to combat poverty. You don’t need to have a lot of money to start saving, it is a commitment, that you must be interested in,” he said.
Gen. Damulira emphasized the importance of financial literacy and the need for the youth to take charge of their economic lives. “It is crucial for you to save and invest your money wisely. This will enable you to access financial services and support from government,” he said.
Gen. Damulira also encouraged the youth to form SACCOs, which are self-help groups that provide financial assistance to members. “By forming SACCOs, you will be able to access loans, insurance, and other financial services that will help you grow your businesses and improve your livelihoods,” he added.
The Director of Crime Intelligence thanked Bishop Dr. Job Inawole, the team leader of The Rescue Mission International Ministry Katanga, who has been instrumental in mobilizing and supporting the ghetto community.
Reacting to challenges raised by community leaeders such as harassment, torture and intimidation of hawkers, and street vendors, Damulira said those who are arresting civilians strtuggling to survive are enemies of the state.
“How do you arrest a person selling merchandise worth shs50,000 and demand shs200,000 from him/her? are you normal? we shall work with KCCA and Police to ensure such acts stop,” he said. He also assured the community that the issue of National Identity cards is being addressed, and would soon be history.
Damulira warned money lenders against getting national IDs for those borrowing money saying its illegal, and perpetrators would face the long arm of the law. “A person who takes away your National ID wants you dead, you cant do anything minus the National ID, and soon without one, it would be very difficult to access government services,” said Damulira
Bishop Inawole commended the ghetto youth for their resilience and determination to overcome their challenges. “We are proud of the progress you have made so far, and we are committed to supporting you in your journey towards economic empowerment,” he said.
The ghetto community in Katanga has faced numerous challenges, including poverty, lack of access to education and employment opportunities, and limited social services. However, with the support of organizations like The Rescue Mission International Ministry Katanga, they are slowly making progress.
The community has established various initiatives aimed at improving their lives, including small-scale businesses, agriculture projects, and social support programs. The formation of SACCOs is seen as a crucial step towards achieving their goals.
In his address, Gen. Damulira assured the ghetto youth that the government of Uganda is committed to supporting their efforts towards economic empowerment. “We recognize that you are an important part of our society, and we are willing to work with you to address your challenges and improve your livelihoods,” he said.
The event was attended by hundreds of ghetto youth from Katanga and the Ghetto structure coordinators from Makindye, Rubaga, Nakawa and Kawempe. The participants were engaged in interactive discussions and debates on the importance of financial literacy and savings.
