Excitement filled nine roadside markets in Mpigi District and Greater Masaka when President Museveni extended financial support to several vendors. Over the past three years, the President has worked with State House officials, visiting roadside markets along major highways. These efforts provide vendors with a business booster package. Specifically, each vendor received Shs100,000 as additional capital for their small businesses. This money aims to improve the vendors’ household incomes and help sustain their businesses.
Last Thursday, a team led by Princess Pauline Nassolo, Senior Presidential Advisor for the Elderly, and Ms. Flora Kabibi, Special Presidential Assistant for Women Affairs, delivered the support to 607 vendors. These markets include Kyabagonya, Kabalungi, and Kakinga in Lwengo District, Kyabakuza, Kabale-Bugonzi in Masaka, and Mbizzinya Market in Mpigi. Vendors in these markets sell agricultural produce, fast foods, chicken, meat, and beverages.
Princess Nassolo explained that President Museveni’s goal is to improve the livelihoods of all Ugandans. In particular, she pointed to several poverty eradication programs, such as the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emyooga. Furthermore, when the vendors expressed that they had not benefited from these programs, the President decided to send financial support. This support helps stabilize their incomes and sustain their businesses.
“Mzee has given you this money as additional capital for your businesses. Use it well. Invest it into your business, and enjoy the profits,” she urged the vendors.
Additionally, she emphasized the importance of embracing government development programs like PDM and Emyooga to fight poverty. Ms. Kabibi also reminded the vendors to vote for selfless leaders who care about their welfare.
“President Museveni has been exemplary. He cares for you, and that’s why he sent this support. Use it well to grow your businesses,” she said.
The vendors expressed their gratitude. Mr. Kaggwa Yahya Ssentongo, Chairperson of Kyabagonya Market, thanked President Museveni on behalf of all the beneficiaries. “We will add this capital to our businesses. Thank you, President Museveni,” he said.
Similarly, Mr. Kaggwa Fulegensio, Chairperson of Kyabakuza Market in Masaka City, also appreciated the President’s efforts in empowering Ugandans. “We will add this money to our small businesses and ensure that they grow,” he said.
One beneficiary from Kabale-Bugonzi Market in Kalungu District, Mr. Andrew Kayondo, shared his surprise. “We thought it was a joke when they registered our names, but they proved us wrong. President Museveni’s team delivered. We have received the money,” he said.
Moreover, Ms. Madrine Nassanga, a vendor at Mbizzinya Market in Mpigi, expressed her deep gratitude. “I will always be grateful to Mr. Museveni for the financial support towards my beverage business.”
In conclusion, President Museveni’s initiative aims to empower roadside vendors. By providing financial support, the President is helping them grow their businesses and improve their economic conditions. These efforts will continue to positively impact Uganda’s vendors and local businesses.
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