President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has extended financial support to over 900 roadside market vendors in Luwero and Nakasongola districts as part of his continued effort to improve household incomes.
The support, coordinated through State House, saw each of the 928 vendors receive Shs100,000 to boost their small businesses. Beneficiaries operate in Kakooge, Kiyenje, and Balikyewunya daily markets, mainly dealing in produce, roasted meat, and beverages.
Princess Pauline Nassolo, Senior Presidential Advisor on the Elderly, and Flora Kabibi, Private Secretary to the President, delivered the support package. Nassolo said the President was responding to concerns raised by vendors who had missed out on other government wealth creation initiatives.
“Mzee wants you to work and improve your livelihoods. That’s why he always empowers you economically,” said Princess Nassolo.
“The last time we came here, you told us that some of you have never benefited from the Parish Development Model or Emyooga programs, so H.E the President decided to offer you this support as you wait to benefit from other government programs.”
She urged vendors to avoid divisive politics and instead focus on using the funds to fight poverty. She also called on parents to instill discipline and moral values in their children.
Kabibi encouraged the vendors to appreciate the President’s commitment to ordinary Ugandans.
“Because he cares, that’s why he sends this financial support to you to grow your businesses,” she said.
“Although the package is small, please utilise it well. H.E the President will send you more support.”
Luwero Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Richard Bwabye Ntulume emphasized proper use of the funds and asked vendors to support the President’s development agenda ahead of the 2026 elections.
Market leaders and vendors welcomed the support, expressing gratitude for what they described as “timely help.” Sofia Namusisi, Chairperson of Kakooge Daily Market, said:
“He has done us good. Some of us even received PDM and again he has offered us more support. All I can say is that our people are so happy. Long live President Museveni.”
She requested the construction of a modern market, citing the poor state of current facilities.
Betty Nazziwa, 75, a vendor at Kakooge, said the money would help her grow her business and care for her family.
Joseph Kato Tebandeke, also from Kakooge, noted, “This support from President Museveni is going to boost my matooke business.”
Muhammad Ssonko, Chairperson of Kakooge Chapati Operators Association, praised the President for youth-targeted programs. “As youths, we are now able to make money and look after our families because of President Museveni’s support,” he said.
Juliet Nababi, Chairperson of Kiyenje Daily Market, prayed for the President’s health and continued leadership, while Nabukenya Madinah urged young people to stop idling and use such support to create wealth.
In Balikyewunya Market, Mark Ssesazi acknowledged receiving similar support last year.
Asiat Nankinga, a vendor who first received financial aid in March 2023, said: “Even today I have received the money. This money is playing a vital role in helping us to develop. We are now able to look after our families.”
Kabaale Joseph Ssentongo, LC1 Chairperson of Binyonyi Village, said the support would help vendors avoid expensive loans and grow their businesses independently.