Kampala ghetto youths reject being used as political pawns

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Ghetto youths from various slums in Kampala have cautioned politicians against using them for personal gain, only to abandon them afterwards.

Speaking to the media on Saturday, February 22, in Kawempe Mbogo, Shafik Kalyango, the national coordinator of ghetto structures across Uganda, highlighted how politicians frequently seek support from ghetto residents during elections but later neglect them.

“Soon parties will start conducting their party primaries, and many people will want to contest for various positions in the country. But be warned—do not accept to be used by politicians. Many of these politicians come to us with sh5,000 or even sh10,000 and want us to move with them or work with them, but what will sh10,000 do for a person who has a family?

Shafik Kalyango the national coordinator of the Ghetto structures across Uganda addressing the media in Kawempe Mbogo. (Photo by Simon Peter Tumwine )

We are now seeing a number of politicians that have started associating with us again after a long time. We won’t accept to be used by you people again just like you have been doing,” Kalyango said.

He urged ghetto youths to prioritise self-improvement rather than engaging in activities that add no value to their lives.

“Before thinking about someone else’s happiness, think about something that adds up to you. Many politicians will start promising you heaven on earth, but after attaining their goal, they will dump you—or you might end up in prison,” Kalyango said.

He pointed out that many politicians perceive ghetto residents as people without a future or ambition, stressing the need for focus ahead of the 2026 elections.

“Before these politicians tell you to come and demonstrate on the streets, their children, wives, husbands, and themselves should lead by example. Then maybe we might follow or listen to you. But other than that, we are fed up with being used as pawns,” Kalyango said.

He urged ghetto youths to steer clear of crime and disorderly politics.

“Desist from any form of activities that can cause harm to you, your family, and your friends. Desist from chaotic politics. Be warned because these people want to use you for their own intentions and later dump you,” Kalyango said, adding that life should be lived in peace, not chaos.

Kalyango noted that the government has consistently planned for its people and continues to do so, adding that ghetto structures have been established in various parts of the country to offer assistance.

He further revealed that from the sh1.2 billion allocated to 12 ghetto SACCOs, several businesses and loan schemes have been set up to improve livelihoods.

Yusuf Huzayifah, a ghetto coordinator in Kawempe, pointed out that poverty makes many youths easy targets for both politicians and criminals.

“Don’t be fooled by these politicians. We might be poor or low-income earners, but we are not stupid and dumb. If these politicians give you money, accept it on the condition that you set your own terms.

The terms that you set should be helpful to you and your family and not harm other people or their property,” Huzayifah said.