Africa-Press – Uganda. President Museveni’s initiative to uplift roadside market vendors extended direct financial support to 957 traders along the Jinja road corridor.
Each beneficiary received Shs 100,000 under the Roadside Market Vendors Project.
The traders who benefited are from Kitigoma, Lugalambo, Najjembe, Namawojjolo, and Maroon Markets.
The financial package was delivered on behalf of the president by Princess Pauline Nassolo, Senior Presidential Advisor on Elderly Affairs, and Ms. Flora Kabibi, Senior Presidential Assistant on Women Affairs.
Princess Nassolo urged the vendors to invest the support into growing their businesses rather than diverting it to non-productive uses. She emphasized that the assistance is meant to generate income and lift households out of poverty.
She also echoed President Museveni’s message on wealth creation, stating that although the government has heavily invested in infrastructure, education, and health, many Ugandans remain poor because they are not fully participating in the money economy. She emphasized the President’s long-standing goal of raising household incomes.
Ms. Kabibi praised President Museveni for prioritizing the economically disadvantaged and urged the vendors to continue supporting him and NRM flag bearers, who she described as the only leaders committed to the needs of ordinary Ugandans.
She reminded the vendors that in addition to this initiative, other government programs—such as the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emyooga—are available to them if they engage with their local leaders.
The vendors welcomed the president’s support with appreciation.
Peter Bukenya, a trader at Najjembe, said the financial support would help them escape the grip of exploitative money lenders.
Charles Mukuye, chairperson of Namawojjolo Supermarket, thanked the President for the capital injection and a Fuso truck to ease transportation challenges. However, he raised concerns over frequent road accidents that disrupt their business operations.
James Wandera, chairperson of Maroon Market, applauded the government for extending safe water access and capital to their area.
Launched in 2023, the Roadside Market Vendors Project was specifically designed to uplift informal traders who are often excluded from mainstream government programs such as PDM, Emyooga, and NAADS.
Since its inception, the initiative has enabled thousands of small-scale traders to stabilize and grow their businesses, while encouraging them to engage with broader national development frameworks.
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