RUBIRIZI, UGANDA — Rubirizi District Woman Member of Parliament, Hon. Arinaitwe Jeniva Nnalongo, has advised the youth to adopt a strong saving culture, arguing that savings are the foundation for financial independence.
“Save me today, I save you tomorrow,” Hon. Arinaitwe told the youth.
She was speaking on Friday, 18th September 2026, while addressing hundreds of youth at the official opening of the Rubirizi Youth SACCO held at the Rubirizi District Headquarters.
The Woman MP said many young people earn money but fail to save, leaving them vulnerable in times of need. She urged them to use the new SACCO as a tool to build their future.
*Her Call to the Youth:*
Hon. Arinaitwe challenged the youth to be agents of positive change in their communities. She laid out six key pillars for responsible youth leadership:
*1. Be good agents of change:* She asked the youth to lead by example in their villages by promoting peace, unity and development, rather than waiting for leaders to do everything.
*2. Fight drugs and alcohol:* She decried the rising abuse of drugs and alcohol among young people in Bunyaruguru and Katerera, saying it is destroying their productivity and health.
*3. Avoid abusing others on social media:* The MP cautioned youth against cyber-bullying, insults and spreading false information on platforms like Facebook, TikTok and WhatsApp. She urged them to use social media for networking and business, not hate.
*4. Be an informed generation:* She called upon the youth to understand government programs like the Parish Development Model (PDM), Emyooga, and the Youth Livelihood Fund, so they can benefit from them.
*5. Use media very well:* She encouraged the youth to use mainstream and social media to market their talents, products and innovations, instead of wasting data on idle gossip.
*6. Be ambassadors of health:* She urged them to be ambassadors in fighting diseases and ensuring good health in their homes by maintaining hygiene and sensitizing communities about preventable diseases.
In the same spirit, Hon. Arinaitwe announced a free medical camp scheduled to take place at Lugazi Health Centre IV from 25th September to 1st October 2026. She invited all youth and residents of Rubirizi to attend and benefit from free screening, treatment and health education.
*MP Cadet Benjamin Tips Youth on Digital Skills:*
Meanwhile, Bunyaruguru County MP Hon. Cadet Benjamin urged the youth, especially youth leaders, to use all available opportunities at every level to better themselves.
He advised them to study productive and marketable courses that are relevant in the modern world, rather than pursuing courses with no job prospects.
Hon. Cadet also challenged the youth to be creative and embrace the digital economy. He urged them to use Artificial Intelligence (AI) productively to create jobs, learn new skills, market businesses and solve community problems, instead of using it for idleness.
*Youth Leaders Promise Transparency:*
Tony Tanga Collins, the Chairperson for Youth in Rubirizi District, said the leadership of the SACCO is committed to transparency and ensuring that every youth benefits.
He outlined several ways the youth can benefit from the Rubirizi Youth SACCO:
– Access to low-interest loans to start and grow small businesses.
– A safe place to save money and earn interest.
– Financial literacy training and entrepreneurship skilling.
– A platform to get connected to government youth programs and grants.
– Emergency financial support for school fees and medical needs.
– Building a credit history to access bigger loans from banks in the future.
The official launch was presided over by the Rubirizi District Commercial Officer, Mr. Musimenta Benon.
The function was attended by officials from the Resident District Commissioner’s (RDC) office, Local Council Chairpersons, youth leaders, and well-wishers from all corners of Rubirizi District including Katerera and Bunyaruguru.
The leaders agreed that the Youth SACCO will be a game-changer in the fight against youth unemployment in the district.
Photo Credit: Bakashaba Godfrey
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