By Caroline Nakire
More than 130 ghetto structure leaders from the Busoga Sub-region have convened in Iganga Municipality for a three-day leadership retreat aimed at strengthening community leadership, promoting crime prevention and advancing youth participation in government empowerment programmes.
The retreat, which commenced on 11 July 2026 at the Bishop Willis Centre in Iganga Municipality, has brought together leaders from 131 ghetto depots across the region. It is organised by the Special Presidential Assistant on Press and Mobilisation and Deputy Press Secretary to H.E. the President,Alhaji Faruk Kirunda, in partnership with the Uganda Police Force’s Crime Intelligence Directorate.
Held under the theme, “Empowering the Ghettos for a Crime-Free Society,” the programme forms part of the Government’s broader efforts to rehabilitate and empower ghetto communities by promoting responsible leadership, reducing crime and integrating young people into national socio-economic development initiatives.
Speaking during the opening session, the Deputy Regional Police Commander for Busoga East, Mr Asumira Ahamed, urged the newly elected leaders to reject manipulation by individuals pursuing selfish political interests and instead focus on addressing the challenges affecting their communities.
“We should ensure that we overcome the challenges facing our region. We must not allow misleaders to misguide our youth into engaging in wrongdoing,” Mr Asumira said.
He encouraged the participants to embrace Government wealth creation programmes such as the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emyooga, describing them as key opportunities for reducing poverty and improving household incomes.
“We should fully participate in income-generating activities that will help us fight poverty in Busoga and improve our livelihoods,” he said.
Mr Asumira also called on the ghetto leaders to work closely with the Uganda Police Force and other security agencies to strengthen peace and security within their respective communities.
“As ghetto leaders, you should work closely with police leadership in your respective areas. You should also coordinate with key stakeholders, including the District Security Committees led by the Resident District Commissioners (RDCs), to strengthen crime prevention efforts,” he added.
Also addressing the retreat, the Patriotism Coordinator for Namutumba District, Mr Godfrey Mukisa, commended President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for championing initiatives aimed at transforming ghetto communities through crime reduction, skills development and youth empowerment.
“We should use this opportunity provided by the Government to transform our lives. The Government is playing its part, and we must also play our part by taking advantage of these programmes,” Mr Mukisa said.
He urged the participants to demonstrate patriotism by contributing positively to Uganda’s peace, stability and socio-economic development.
“Genuine patriotism is about loving one’s country while actively working to improve it,” he noted.
Mr Mukisa further encouraged the youth to acquire practical and vocational skills that would enable them to become self-reliant through employment and entrepreneurship.
The retreat follows the recent election of ghetto structure leaders across the Busoga Sub-region and is expected to strengthen their leadership and organisational capacity.
Participants are also expected to acquire knowledge on crime prevention, community mobilisation, government development programmes and responsible leadership to support sustainable socio-economic transformation within their communities.