Authorities question credibility of First Lady mentorship programme in Kyegegwa

14 September 2026, 9:20 am

By Collins Ainomugisha

A section of leaders in Kazinga Town Council Kyegegwa District have distanced themselves from the operations of an initiative known as “Mentorship program”, which is reportedly mobilising residents to save money for development activities.

The authorities say the organisation, which is allegedly affiliated with the First Lady, Janet Kataaha Museveni, according to its team leaders, has been operating in the town council without establishing clear relationship with local authorities, raising suspicion about its credibility.

Kazinga Town Council Mayor, Amos Kijunjure, says that the the association has long been mobilising community members to deposit funds with it, in hope that they would qualify for a mega support from Office of the First Lady, Janet Museveni.

Kijunjure said that he has received a number of objections from residents, who claim to have put a lot of money into the program that show no profit in return. He cautioned members of public to report any suspicion in regard to the organisations operating in their areas.

The same remarks were given by the town council Speaker, Denis Mugarura, who urged residents to take responsibility for managing and scrutinising associations operating within their communities before entrusting their money to people from outside the area.

Kyaka FM contacted Tumwebaze Charles the district coordinator for this Mentorship First Lady program in Kyegegwa district, who claimed that the initiative is well registered, with its main offices located in Kakabara town council Kyegegwa district.

He also revealed the criteria of the program, saying that in addition to members saving Ugx 500 every day, they also offer training to group members in their respective villages, on good farming practices.

However, the question still remains, why were local leaders not notified about inception of Mentorship program in their areas of jurisdiction?

The District chairperson for Kyegegwa, Norman Birungi, has told our reporter that Mr Tumwebaze, the alleged district coordinator for the program, reported to his office for approval, but when asked for clear documentation, he (Tumwebaze) left and never returned.