President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, in early February, provided financial assistance to 260 roadside market vendors in Luwero District. The business support package, delivered by State House officials led by Princess Nassolo Pauline, a Private Secretary to the President on Women Affairs, aims to bolster the vendors’ businesses.
Operating mainly at Balikyejjusa-Checkpoint market along Kampala-Gulu Highway, these vendors predominantly sell fruits, particularly pineapples, vegetables, and other food items and each beneficiary received Shs. 100,000.
Princess Nassolo conveyed President Museveni’s decision to offer direct financial support to aid the vendors in sustaining their businesses and stabilizing their household incomes. She emphasized the President’s commitment to assisting them, especially after learning that they had not benefited from other government programs like the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emyooga.
Addressing the beneficiaries, Princess Nassolo urged them to remain focused on improving their household incomes and cautioned against being swayed by political agendas and she reassured them of the government’s commitment to returning to support those who were initially overlooked during the registration process.
Expressing their gratitude, the vendors thanked President Museveni for fulfilling his promise, acknowledging the impact of the financial assistance on their livelihoods. Ms. Atugonza Aisha, a pineapple vendor, lauded the President for delivering on his commitment and advised her peers to utilize the funds wisely.
While appreciating the support, Ms. Atugonza highlighted the need for road safety measures, urging the government to consider constructing speed humps along the highway to mitigate accidents.
Meanwhile, Mr. Ochaya Vicent expressed his gratitude for the unexpected financial boost, intending to invest the funds to expand his pineapple business. Another vendor, Ms. Barbra Nakayaga, appealed to the President for the construction of a permanent market facility to enhance their trading environment, particularly during adverse weather conditions.
Ms. Nakayaga, a single mother striving to educate her children, emphasized the significance of the assistance provided by President Museveni, expressing her determination to ensure the funds multiply for greater economic stability.
President Museveni’s consistent support for roadside vendors underscores his advocacy for economic empowerment and livelihood improvement, urging them to prioritize productive activities over political engagements.