EU offers sh19.2b to fight crime in slums

KAMPALA -The European Union (EU) has allocated sh19.2b to improve the livelihood of youth in urban slums of Kampala. Thesse include: Bwaise, Kisenyi, Kabalagala and Katwe.

The head of governance and human rights at the EU mission in Uganda, Thomas Tiedemann, said the three and half years project  seeks to address the root cause of violent extremism and strengthen social cohesion.

"One of the expected results of the Strengthen Social Cohesion and Stability in Slum Populations (SSCoS) project is increasing community capacity to resist radicalisation and combat extremism, empowering communities and building links with law enforcers," he  said.

Tiedemann made the revelation during the launch of ‘BEERA CLEAR' messaging campaign at  Makerere University on Friday. The campaign is co-sponsered by International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and Uganda Police.

He reported that recently EU resolved and created the European Union Trust Fund for stability and addressing root causes of irregular migration and displaced persons in Africa.

(Left to right) Chief of Mission of International Organisation for Migration Uganda Ali Abdi, Police Commissar Asan Kasingye and Migration Specialist Ericka De Boa- fofana during the launch of "Beera Clear" campaign organised by Makerere University. Photo by Wilfred Sanya

"Coming to Bwaise, Kisenyi, Kabalagala or Katwe is a good way to see what the future will look like through empowering the young people to enhance their potential and resilience in the community," he said.

Tiedemann noted that they aim at supporting youths to become skilled and productive citizens, and thus enabling them to become constructive and positive forces in their communities.

"Through this project, not only do we provide the youths with skills training opportunities and support for the start-up of businesses; most importantly, we empower young men and women to take their future into their hands, and to do so peacefully and constructively," he said.

Ali Abdi, chief of mission of IOM Uganda appreciated the efforts of the local government, Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) and Police that are working hand in hand with the slum communities to build trust and deliver the services.

"There will be no terrorist cells in slums of Kampala, because communities are working with the Police to implement conflict-sensitive community- policing," he said.

He added that there will be no radicalising and distortion of religious faith because communities will work with religious leaders to convey their messages of tolerance, reconciliation and peace.

"So, the focus of the campaign we have launched is on creating a peaceful environment for the youth to grow and progress in their lives," he noted.

Assistant Inspector of Police, Asan Kasingye advised the youth to stand clearly against violence, any form of violence, and pro-actively engage to end violence in  their community.

"The choices you make in life will determine how far you go in life.  If you understand what the right choices are, you may have higher chances of succeeding in life and better your life and the ones of other people in your communities," he advised.

Kasingye said: "You need to rise above your situation, especially if you do not like it or think it will not take you far,  you need to emulate the achievers within your community and distance yourself from negative influences."

The Police national political commissar also warned the youth against manipulation by political leaders.

"Avoid being used by some individuals within parties, to engage in acts that will compromise your future. Remember discipline is the most important thing in life, take advice from those in authority," he said.