Nakalema urges ghetto youth to look beyond their current circumstances

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Col Edith Nakalema, the Senior Presidential Advisor on Anti-Corruption and head of the State House Investors Protection Unit, has urged young people in vulnerable communities to remain hopeful about their future, saying their backgrounds and current circumstances should not define their destiny.

Nakalema made the remarks during a youth crusade organised by All Saints Church Cathedral at Old Kampala Secondary School on November 6, 2026. The event brought together more than 100 young people from ghetto communities.

She said the government is creating opportunities for young people through initiatives aimed at improving their livelihoods and supporting socioeconomic development in urban communities.

Head of the State House Investors Protection Unit, Edith Nakalema, interacts with a ghetto youth who was saved during a youth crusade organised by All Saints Cathedral at Old Kampala Senior Secondary School on November 6, 2026. (Photo by Wilfred Sanya)

"Today, I bring a message of hope to youths in vulnerable communities across Kampala, Mukono, and Wakiso districts, driving socioeconomic development in alignment with President Yoweri Museveni’s broader ghetto empowerment agenda.

“Effective today, November 6, 2026, your life will change, and it will never be the same because of the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ,” Nakalema said.

She encouraged the young people to recognise their abilities and seek God's guidance, saying their circumstances did not make them incapable of achieving their ambitions.

“I know you are strong, talented people capable of doing so many good things, but you only need to fall back to God, and all you need, government, with its other agencies, will be able to offer you opportunities,” she said.

Nakalema also cited Psalm 118:24-29, reading from the passage about rejoicing in the day made by the Lord, seeking success and giving thanks for His goodness.

She further encouraged the youth to remain focused on their priorities and not allow their backgrounds or lack of employment to limit their aspirations.

“Many youths are struggling with unemployment due to their background, and others are suffering because of the vulnerable communities they live in. Others are not sure to achieve their future dreams,” she noted.

“You must emphasise your priorities in life. Your background does not determine your destiny; despite your origin, it is God who has guided your lives, regardless of where you live. Your current situation cannot determine your future plans.”

She said unemployment did not mean that young people lacked value or potential, adding that God had plans for them.

Nakalema pledged support for the youth, urging them to put God first and share the message with colleagues who had not attended the gathering.

The young people were served food and drinks during the event, which also included an opportunity for Nakalema to interact with them over dinner.

The vicar general of All Saints Church Cathedral, Rev. Hillary Jaffu, parliament chaplain Rev. Gillian Okello, Rev. Paulson Tumutegyeyisize, and All Saints Cathedral priest Rev. Simon Peter Omoding attended the event.

A cross-section of ghetto youth who got saved during the prayers organised by All Saints Cathedral at Old Kampala Senior Secondary School on November 6, 2026. (Photo by Wilfred Sanya)

Makindye ghetto youth leader Jingwa Ssegujja praised Nakalema for making time to meet the young people and share her experiences and religious message.

Ssegujja said the visit was unusual because of Nakalema's senior position and busy schedule. He added that some members had been encouraged by her remarks and had accepted Christianity.

He also said he hoped to acquire a video camera to replace the mobile phone he currently uses to take photographs, adding that he believed God had different ways of answering people's prayers.