Under the blazing sun at Kololo Independence Grounds, the usually scattered street hawkers of Kampala stood united—cheering, dancing, and waving merchandise in the air. What brought them together wasn’t just a routine rally. It was the promise of hope, dignity, and economic empowerment—delivered in cold, hard cash.
On Tuesday, July 29, 2025, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni gifted Kampala’s street hawkers a capital boost of Shs 300 million. Each hawker received Shs 100,000 in cash, on top of purchases made from their merchandise displayed at the event.
The initiative is part of the President’s broader campaign to lift Ugandans out of the informal sector and integrate them into the money economy. The support was delivered on the President’s behalf by State House Comptroller, Jane Barekye, who stressed the government’s commitment to economic inclusion.
“The President is determined to ensure that every Ugandan joins the money economy. That is why he’s reaching out to even the street vendors,” Barekye said.
She added that the program is ongoing and will be extended to other parts of the country.
According to Barekye, the President plans to monitor the impact of the financial support and determine additional ways to assist hawkers. She also thanked Senior Presidential Advisor on Political Mobilization, Moses Byaruhanga, for organizing and mobilizing the hawkers.
Byaruhanga praised the hawkers for remaining organized and noted that their unity enabled government intervention.
“The President has always asked how you survive on the streets. Through your leaders, we have found out how to support you,” he said.
Addressing concerns that such support might encourage more unregulated hawking, Byaruhanga defended the initiative.
“We cannot leave them to die on the streets just because we fear many more will come. As the city becomes more organized, they will work in spaces where customers can find them easily,” he explained.
He also reminded the hawkers to maintain discipline and follow Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) guidelines to keep the city clean.
Minister for Kampala and Metropolitan Affairs, Hajjat Minsa Kabanda, delivered the President’s greetings and urged hawkers to uphold cleanliness and discipline in the city.
“Avoid operating in the wrong places and don’t litter the streets. Carry polyethene bags for your banana peelings and fruit remains, and avoid stepping on green spaces,” she advised.
Hajjat Kabanda also encouraged the hawkers to utilize government programs such as the Presidential Skilling Centres, Parish Development Model (PDM), and Emyooga to boost their earnings.
In a direct appeal ahead of the 2026 elections, she rallied the hawkers to support the ruling party.
“President Museveni will be on the ballot in 2026. Please vote for him and all NRM candidates. Where you see a bus, tick,” she said, referring to the party symbol.
Kampala Central Division Mayor, Salim Uhuru, echoed the appreciation.
“Others want to chase you from the city, but President Museveni insists that you remain and work for your families,” he said.
He also asked vendors to remember the President at the polls.
The event drew several leaders including Presidential Advisor on Kampala Affairs Hajjat Sarah Kanyike, Kampala Division NRM chairpersons, and other party officials, reinforcing the political significance of the event.
For Kampala’s hawkers—often caught between survival and regulation—the President’s gesture was more than a handout. It was an acknowledgement of their economic contribution and a promise that they, too, have a place in Uganda’s formal economy.
