Over 600 Vendors in Luwero Get Shs 100,000 Each from President Museveni
Vendors at Balikyejusa Market in Luwero District have hailed President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni after receiving cash support meant to uplift their small enterprises and strengthen household incomes.
The President’s package, which reached over 640 traders, was delivered by Princess Pauline Nassolo, the Senior Presidential Advisor In-charge of the Elderly. Each vendor was given Shs 100,000 to reinvest in their businesses, which range from roasted gonja and beverages to agricultural produce and meat stalls.
Market leaders, including Chairperson Nyombi Yakub Zziwa and Vice Chairperson Kayindo Musisi Ali, described the intervention as timely, pledging to expand their ventures and continue supporting the ruling NRM government.
“We thank the NRM government for its numerous poverty alleviation programs aimed at uplifting the lives of Ugandans,” Zziwa said.
Individual traders were equally grateful. Vendor Sandra Namugenyi voiced strong political support:
“We are going to vote for President Museveni again and again,” she affirmed.
Pineapple seller Nelson Ssimbwa offered his appreciation in prayerful terms:
“I can’t thank you enough apart from praying for your good health. We pray that God enables you to lead and serve Ugandans for more years,” he added.
Princess Nassolo, while delivering the funds, reminded traders of the President’s consistent call to embrace Uganda’s money economy by venturing into key sectors such as commercial agriculture, manufacturing, services, and ICT.
“H.E the President always advises us to join the money economy through the four sectors; commercial agriculture, manufacturing, services, and ICT. If we heed his message, we will be able to improve and stabilize our household income, thus creating wealth,” she said.
She revealed that many roadside traders had not yet accessed government initiatives like Emyooga and the Parish Development Model (PDM).
The direct injection, she explained, was designed to cushion their businesses while waiting for those programs to reach them.
“H.E the President has sent us to deliver this money to you directly. It’s meant to boost your businesses. Use it well,” she urged.
Ms. Flora Kabibi, the Special Presidential Assistant on Women Affairs, also addressed the gathering, calling on traders to avoid being distracted by politics as campaigns approach.
“As we head to the political season, vote for your candidates then go back and work. Don’t involve yourself in politicking,” she said.
“H.E the President always encourages us to work so that we improve our livelihoods. He has even extended financial support to boost your businesses.”
The support package, received with chants of appreciation, reaffirmed the vendors’ loyalty to the ruling party as many pledged to continue backing President Museveni at the ballot.
