President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has extended financial support to 623 roadside vendors operating along Hoima Road, each receiving Shs100,000 in seed capital through the State House Political Department.
The intervention, spearheaded by Princess Pauline Nassolo and the Special Presidential Assistant on Women Affairs, Ms. Flora Kabibi, aims to uplift small-scale traders who have long struggled to access formal government development programs such as the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emyooga.
The beneficiaries, primarily women and youth involved in selling groceries and food items, welcomed the initiative, citing it as a timely boost to their businesses.
Mr. David Kakande, Vice Chairperson of Ggobero Market traders, praised the President’s gesture, calling it a “game-changer” for informal traders. He further appealed for government investment in constructing permanent market infrastructure and improving transport systems, particularly for vendors sourcing produce like plantain from the Democratic Republic of Congo.
At Bukomero Parkyard Market, Kiboga Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Mr. Ssempala Kigozi commended the President for “remembering the ordinary people.” Local trader Makuye Denis, who sells chapati, said the support would significantly enhance his daily income.
Market leaders at Bukomero Daily Market echoed the sentiment, highlighting the program’s impact on household incomes, especially for women. Vice Chairperson Abubaker Bukenya pledged continued support for President Museveni and the ruling NRM party.
In Roma Roadside Market, Lwamata Town Council, vendors trading in onions, carrots, and other groceries expressed gratitude for the assistance. Market Chairperson Christine Nabasita thanked the President for prioritizing poor families and single mothers, saying the capital injection would ease their daily financial burdens.
The initiative is part of a broader effort to strengthen grassroots economic activity and empower Uganda’s informal sector, particularly in underserved rural and peri-urban communities.
