POLLS CASH BONANZA! State House probes Youth Council bosses over sh2bn feast
Barely days after the 2026 presidential elections, State House has launched investigations into the National Youth Council (NYC) leadership following a petition by a section of youth leaders from across the country accusing some of their colleagues on the executive of feasting on the presidential campaign cash alone.
Highly placed sources knowledgeable about the ongoing investigations told RedPepper that on the eve of the January 15 election, a section of NYC leaders secured a closed-door meeting at State House, where they demanded facilitation funds to mobilize youth voters.
Although President Museveni was reportedly hesitant—having been convinced that the NRM Youth League had already effectively mobilized—the President allegedly sanctioned the release of over Shs2 billion.
What followed has shocked youth leaders countrywide.
Reports indicate that the money did not last even 24 hours.
Investigations show that some NYC officials—numbering about 11— allegedly awarded themselves Shs100 million each, while additional undisclosed sums were paid to State House brokers who reportedly facilitated the meeting.
Meanwhile, over 90 district youth leaders who were part of the meeting, reportedly received between Shs1–2 million each—amounts described as “insulting” given the scale of the funds.
Angry youth leaders now accuse NYC leadership of diverting mobilization funds to clear personal debts, silence critics and enriching close associates.
As of publication, several NYC executives are reportedly cruising in brand-new vehicles allegedly bought using the disputed funds meant for district youth structures.
NYC has been contacted for a comment.
WIDER PICTURE
The scandal unfolds as NRM National Youth Chairperson Daniel Ongom remains under scrutiny over allegations that he fraudulently altered his date of birth in connivance with officials at NIRA, the NRM Secretariat, and the Electoral Commission, enabling him to qualify for youth leadership positions. This is also another area that State House investigators are looking into.
Sources claim Ongom leveraged his Kampala-based political networks to manipulate the youth electoral process in Kampala to secure the chairmanship despite hailing from Lira City.
RedPepper could not independently verify these allegations.
Ongom also denies these allegations.
Insiders reveal that President Museveni has since been briefed on the rot within the NYC, prompting him to shift trust and resources to the NRM Youth League led by Tanga Collins, son of the NRM Electoral Commission Chairperson.
The Youth League reportedly also received billions of shillings, hundreds of motorcycles, and even access to military-grade helicopters to crisscross the country during mobilization and powers that be have since been impressed.
Sources further allege that the Sh2bn released to NYC leadership may have been a deliberate trap to test their integrity. With youth parliamentary elections just days away, the President is reportedly considering sidelining the NYC entirely and tasking the NRM Youth League to deliver youth MPs.
NRM youth MP aspirants have since petitioned the party chairman, demanding urgent intervention.
Highly placed sources told RedPepper that the Youth Members of Parliament contestants from the NRM Party have reportedly complained about these problems within the youth council. They are now demanding a meeting with their party chairman who is also the head of state to brief him on these developments and discuss strategies for a formidable win ahead of their respective regional and national youth elective conferences.
With the NYC elective conference delegates largely leaning NRM, party strategists believe the Youth League can easily sweep the youth parliament.
In our next publication, we shall expose the full list of beneficiaries, including non-youth individuals, and the exact amounts each pocketed.
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