Some NRM Youth leaders in Mbarara district were on Tuesday denied cows promised to them by President Yoweri Museveni under a wealth creation initiative.
The cows were reportedly handed instead, to other people that were not only unqualified beneficiaries, but also unmentioned by the President when he made the pledge three years ago.
While distributing the cows at the Mbarara district headquarters in Kamukuzi, only 8 out of the 16 youth leaders received cows, and the rest were given to other locals who were not meant to.
According to Justus Nuwajuna Kamuhanda, the National chairperson NRM Institutions League, youth leaders from Mbarara district met with President Museveni at Lake View Hotel in August 2013 and he promised them a cow each for their tireless efforts to transform their communities.
The youths were angry that the cows were instead handed to other “old and wealthy” locals
Museveni directed the National Agriculture Advisory Services (NAADS) to procure the cows and distribute them to the 16 youth leaders of both the District Youth League and the District Youth Council.
However, today out of the 16, only eight received their cattle and the rest were given to other locals, “some very old and wealthy.”
Edgar Nahabwamukama, Vice Chairman of the youth council told Chimpreports that the UPDF’s Operation Wealth Creation (OWC) – which took over the initiative from NAADS – conspired with some of the locals and gave them the cows.
He identified one of the wrongful beneficiaries as one David Kitengye, who is also the chairman LC3 Biharwe division.
The youths told us that they tried to officially write a fresh request to the president demanding for their cows but were “discouraged” by the district OWC Coordinator, one Maj. Sam Murari.
Major Sam Kagoro Murari
When reached however, Major Murari said the cows the cows that were handed to the other people were not meant for the youths. He termed these as “general beneficiaries.”
The Major also warned the youths against trying to blackmail him, noting that some of those making the claims don’t have the resources to look after the cattle.