By. Wilber Tumutegyereize/Umoja standard
Kampala-Uganda: Kabandana Wa MK, the PLU Deputy Coordinator for Kampala Region and Chief of Staff for Central Uganda have held a strategic meeting with Leaders of the Omuntu Wawansi Association in Greater Luweero, in a move aimed at strengthening grassroots mobilization and community development as part of the Tukopamoja Union Mission 2031.
The engagement brought together representatives of the association and its youth skills initiative Shan Ables, where leaders discussed collaboration opportunities to support vocational training, community empowerment, and grassroots mobilization across the Greater Luweero region.
A Large Grassroots Network
The Omuntu Wawansi Association has grown into a significant grassroots structure in the region, currently comprising 8,500 registered members and more than 165 coordinators working across different districts in Greater Luweero.
The association mobilizes communities through both political engagement and development-oriented programs that aim to uplift ordinary citizens through practical skills and economic initiatives.
The group strongly supports the leadership of Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and initiatives associated with Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
Speaking during the engagement, Tumwesigye. Ema, popularly known as Commander Kingston, the Top Commander of Omuntu Wawansi Association in Greater Luweero, explained that the association was formed to mobilize grassroots support while also addressing community development needs.
“Omuntu Wawansi brings together ordinary citizens who believe in supporting our national leadership while also improving the livelihoods of our people,” he said.
Commander Kingston noted that with thousands of leaders and coordinators across the region, the association has been able to initiate several projects aimed at empowering communities.
Community Projects and Skills Programs
Members of the association are involved in a wide range of economic and social activities including farming, livestock keeping, pottery, tailoring, sports, and entertainment.
One of the major initiatives under the association is Shan Ables, a youth-focused group dedicated to providing vocational training.
The program equips young people with practical skills in tailoring, hairdressing, makeup artistry, construction, ICT, and creative arts, helping them become self-reliant and economically productive.
However, leaders say the programs face major challenges due to a lack of equipment and resources.
“We have many people who want to learn and participate in these projects, but the equipment we have is not enough,” Commander Kingston said.
For example, in hairdressing and tailoring departments, only a few machines are available, which limits the number of trainees who can participate.
Media and Creative Talent Development
The association also runs an active media and creative department led by Nakanyike Sylvia, the Head of Media for Omuntu Wawansi Association and Shan Ables.
She explained that Shan Ables has several creative departments including acting, film production, skits, music, advertising, and sports.
The group also manages a girls’ netball team as part of its sports activities.
Despite the creativity and enthusiasm of members, Sylvia said the media team faces equipment challenges.
“The cameras we have are few and cannot produce the quality we need. If we had better equipment, we could promote our activities and talents more effectively,” she said.
Students Seeking More Opportunities
Students also participate in the association through vocational training programs designed to equip them with practical skills for employment and entrepreneurship.
Nabatanzi Harriet, the Chairperson for Students in Omuntu Wawansi Association Greater Luweero, said many young people are eager to learn but lack adequate training tools.
She explained that students train in departments such as hairdressing, tailoring, construction, and ICT, but most of the training centers lack necessary equipment.
“In hairdressing we lack machines for proper training. In tailoring we also need sewing machines, and in ICT we lack computers and other learning tools,” Harriet said.
She called for support to help equip the training programs so that more students can gain skills and become self-reliant.
Leadership Structure
The Omuntu Wawansi Association operates under a structured leadership network covering several districts in the Greater Luweero region.
Commander Kingston leads the association as Top Commander, supported by Second Commander Joanitah Bonabana, while Margaret Nansomba serves as the General Chairperson.
The association also has district leadership structures and coordinators across Luweero, Nakasongola, and Nakaseke, helping to coordinate its activities and programs.
Commitment to Mission 2031
During the meeting with Kabandana of the Patriotic League of Uganda, the leaders reaffirmed their commitment to supporting grassroots mobilization and community empowerment initiatives under the Tukopamja Union Mission 2031.
Commander Kingston expressed optimism that collaboration with PLU leadership will help strengthen their projects and expand opportunities for youth and communities in Greater Luweero.
“We are ready to work together so that our people can receive the support they need and continue building their future,” he said.
The leaders concluded the engagement with renewed commitment to promoting skills development, youth empowerment, and grassroots mobilization as key drivers of community transformation in the region.
