The Illusion of Advantage—Youth Speak Truth to Power
Central Uganda is the political and economic heartbeat of the country. It is home to the capital city Kampala, the administrative center Wakiso, the historical roots of Buganda, and the bustling trade corridors of Masaka, Luwero, and Mukono.
But beyond the glamour, towers, and government offices lies a hidden crisis—millions of youth suffocating under poverty, corruption, and neglect.
They live within sight of power but are denied its benefits. In Central Uganda, youth are visible during rallies and protests—but invisible in policies, budgets, and boardrooms.
What Youth in Central Uganda Are Facing
Jobless in the Shadow of Industry
Despite being home to the country’s largest industries, unemployment and underemployment remain rampant. Most youth work in the informal sector—selling street food, riding boda bodas, or hawking items just to survive.
“I have a degree. I now sell chapati on the roadside. Tell me, is that success?”
— Ronald, 26, Kawempe
“Jobs go to those with ‘connections.’ If you don’t know someone, you are nobody.”
— Mariam, 24, Mukono
Political Manipulation & Empty Promises
Youth in Central are highly politicized—but rarely prioritized. Politicians use them as foot soldiers, crowd-pullers, and online defenders—then abandon them after elections.
“They gave us t-shirts and ‘facilitation’ during campaigns. Now they won’t even pick our calls.”
— Brian, 32, Masaka
“We march, we sing, we protect them with our blood. But when the jobs come, they give them to their families.”
— Shamim, 25, Luwero
Corruption & Nepotism at Every Turn
Government youth programs like Emyooga, PDM, and Youth Livelihood Fund are plagued by mismanagement. Money is misallocated, stolen, or given only to the politically loyal.
“Our youth group was promised capital. The chairman took the money and built his own house.”
— Godfrey, 31, Mpigi
“You attend every meeting, fill every form. But they fund only their people.”
— Aisha, 20, Gomba
Mental Health, Depression & Suicide
In cities like Kampala, Mukono, and Wakiso, the pressure to survive is crushing. The high cost of living, unemployment, and hopelessness have led to rising cases of suicide, anxiety, and drug dependency.
“I smile online. But when I’m alone, I cry. The pressure to ‘make it’ is killing us silently.”
— Grace, 21, Najjera
“I lost my best friend to suicide. He couldn’t keep up with life anymore.”
— Derrick, 26, Rubaga
Drug Abuse & Crime
Urban youth face constant exposure to drugs like marijuana, shisha, cocaine, and toxic cheap liquor. Many fall into crime, fraud, and gang violence, especially in areas like Kisenyi, Katwe, and Bwaise.
“We hustle hard, but still sleep hungry. What do you expect us to do?”
— Sula, 19, Katwe
“I joined a gang at some point to survive.”
— Isaac, 18, Nateete
Housing Crisis & Urban Poverty
Youth in Central Uganda’s towns and cities are living in slums, often with no sanitation, poor lighting, and constant insecurity. The cost of rent, transport, and food is unbearable.
“I sleep in a corridor and bathe behind a kiosk. I still send money to my family in the village.”
— Kevin, 24, Kireka
Regional Hotspots and Struggles
Kampala & Wakiso
- High cost of living
- Boda boda exploitation
- Rent, fuel, and food inflation
- Urban crime and over-policing
- Digital fraud and gambling addiction
Luwero, Nakaseke, Nakasongola
- Historical region of revolution but economically left behind
- Youth unemployment in rural trading centers
- Land grabbing and political exclusion
“Our elders fought in the bush. Now we fight hunger.”
— Allan, 23, Luwero
Masaka, Kalungu, Kyotera
- Agriculture undermined by fake seeds and lack of markets
- Land conflict between clans and local authorities
- Youth caught in political and cultural crossfire
“Even if you farm, the middleman cheats you. The system is against the youth.”
— Brenda, 32, Kyotera
Mukono, Mpigi, Buikwe
- Young girls exploited in factories and sugarcane plantations
- Teenage pregnancies, transactional sex, and early marriages
- Little youth representation in district decisions
Youth Voices from Central Uganda
“I’m tired of pretending to be okay. Everyone’s struggling, but no one talks about it.”
— Vanessa, 30, Mukono
“The church says pray. The government says wait. But we are tired of waiting.”
— Joshua, 26, Rubaga
“When you speak out, they call you a rebel. When you keep quiet, you die in silence.”
— Joan, 28, Masaka
“We are crushed by rent, bills, and hopelessness. It’s either drugs or depression.”
— Patrick, 23, Kawempe
“I finished campus three years ago. Since then, I’ve sold eggs and written CVs no one reads.”
— Faith, 25, Mukono
“Politicians only care about us when we’re holding posters or cheering them on TV.”
— Dan, 26, Nansana
Enough Is Enough
Being in the capital doesn’t mean we are privileged. Youth in Central Uganda face real, daily struggles—while surrounded by wealth, power, and privilege they can never touch.
We are done being silent, done being used, and done being taken for granted.
“We are not lazy. We are locked out. But we are rising against these together.”
— National Youth Movement – Uganda
