By CHIMPREPORTS
On February 8, 2024, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni provided financial support to 260 roadside market vendors in Luwero District as part of a business booster package. The distribution of the support was facilitated by officials from State House, led by Princess Nassolo Pauline, a Private Secretary to the President on Women Affairs.
The beneficiaries, who operate in the Balikyejjusa-Checkpoint market in Luwero along the Kampala-Gulu Highway, primarily sell fruits, especially pineapples, vegetables, and other foodstuffs. Each vendor received Shs. 100,000.
Princess Nassolo conveyed President Museveni’s decision to offer direct financial support to help the vendors sustain their businesses and stabilize their household incomes. She mentioned that this support was provided in response to the vendors’ information that they had not benefited from the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emyooga programs. The President’s direct support aims to assist them in fighting poverty while waiting for other government initiatives.
While addressing the vendors, Princess Nassolo urged them to stay focused on boosting their household income and cautioned them against being swayed by politicians pursuing selfish gains. She assured the vendors that there would be further support for those who missed out during the initial registration.
Expressing their gratitude, the beneficiaries thanked President Museveni for delivering on the promised financial package. Ms. Atugonza Aisha, a pineapple vendor, expressed her happiness and advised fellow vendors to use the money wisely. Additionally, she called on the government to consider constructing more speed bumps on the highway to prevent accidents.
The vendors at Balikyejjusa-Checkpoint market in Luwero expressed concerns about the safety of the road, particularly during festive seasons and campaign periods, citing overspeeding vehicles as a significant risk. Ms. Atugonza highlighted the need for the government to construct speed bumps to reduce the potential for accidents.
Mr. Ochaya Vicent expressed gratitude for receiving the financial support, which he initially thought was a joke. He plans to use the money to add to his capital and purchase more pineapples for selling.
Ms. Barbra Nakayaga, a vendor selling plantains, requested the construction of a permanent market for them. She emphasized the importance of having a well-constructed space for their operations, unaffected by weather conditions. Despite the challenges, Nakayaga expressed gratitude to the government for not forgetting about them.
As a single mother striving to educate her children, Ms. Nakayaga considered the financial boost unexpected and significant. She thanked President Museveni for blessing them financially and expressed her commitment to ensuring that the given amount of Uganda shillings 100,000 multiplies to become one million.
President Museveni has consistently supported roadside vendors across the country, encouraging them to focus on improving their household incomes and livelihoods through productive activities rather than engaging in politics.
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