President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has extended financial support to 173 roadside market vendors in Kamengo sub-county, each receiving Shs100,000 to boost their small businesses.
The support was delivered on Tuesday by a State House delegation led by Senior Presidential Advisor on Elderly Affairs, Princess Pauline Nassolo, and Special Presidential Assistant for Women Affairs, Flora Kabibi.
Speaking during the handover, Princess Nassolo urged the vendors to put the money to proper use and grow their businesses while awaiting access to larger government programs like the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emyooga.
“President Museveni opted to give you this money to help you grow your businesses. Utilise it well as you wait to benefit from other government programs like PDM and Emyooga,” Nassolo said.
She also encouraged vendors to elect leaders who are development-oriented and capable of lobbying for more support.
“Go for leaders who can help you develop; those who can lobby for you so that you can fully benefit from all government programs,” she added.
Nassolo emphasized the importance of holding local leaders accountable for delivering services that improve people’s livelihoods.
Kabibi reinforced the call for responsible use of the funds, warning vendors against diverting it for personal use.
“This money is meant to help you join the money economy and fight poverty,” she said. “However small the money could be, use it well, it will help you grow your businesses.”
The financial boost was warmly received by the vendors, who praised President Museveni for reaching out directly to grassroots traders often overlooked by mainstream programs.
Josephine Namakula, Chairperson of Kamengo II Market, thanked the President for ensuring transparency in the delivery process.
“We have never benefited from PDM or Emyooga but at least this team has delivered what you have sent to us. We thank you President Museveni for this financial support,” Namakula said.
Elliot Arinda, a vendor dealing in agricultural produce, pledged continued support for President Museveni and the NRM government.
“Our President thank you for this support and we promise to vote for you in the forthcoming elections. May God bless you,” Arinda said.
Rebecca Naluyima, representing Kikunyu-Kanyike Market vendors, praised the initiative for economically empowering women.
“We promise you, Your Excellency, that we shall not disappoint you. We have already joined the money economy and now look forward to improving our household incomes,” she said.
She also noted that the support was non-discriminatory. “I belong to the Democratic Party, but I have received the money.”
Other vendors echoed similar gratitude. Tomato seller Josephine Nabatanzi said the money had come at the right time.
“You see, my stall has almost nothing but with this money, tomorrow I’m going to buy more tomatoes,” she said.
Teddy Namanda, another vendor, confirmed receipt of the funds. “Thank you, President Museveni, for this money. I have received it and I’m going to add it to my business.”
The intervention is part of broader efforts by the government to uplift small-scale traders and integrate them into the formal economy.
