Roadside vendors in Luwero District have received direct financial support from President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni to strengthen their household incomes and expand their small businesses.
The support, delivered by Princess Pauline Nassolo, Senior Presidential Advisor In-charge of the Elderly, targeted more than 640 vendors operating at Balikyejusa Market. Each beneficiary received a cash grant of Shs 100,000 to help grow businesses ranging from agricultural produce and roasted gonja to meat and beverages. 
According to Princess Nassolo, the initiative aligns with the President’s long-standing message that Ugandans must actively participate in the money economy through 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 explained that many of the roadside traders had not previously accessed programs such as the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emyooga. As a result, the President decided to provide a direct capital injection to cushion and uplift their enterprises.
“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.
Vendors were further encouraged to hold leaders accountable for service delivery and to carefully select leaders who can fulfill their promises, with Princess Nassolo openly endorsing support for the ruling NRM party.
Ms. Flora Kabibi, the Special Presidential Assistant on Women Affairs, emphasized the need for traders to prioritize work over politics as the country heads toward elections.
“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.”
Market leaders and individual traders welcomed the intervention with gratitude, noting that it would ease the challenges of capital and allow them to expand.
Mr. Nyombi Yakub Zziwa, Chairperson of Balikyejusa Market and NRM Workers League representative in Luwero, praised the government’s continued investment in poverty eradication.
“We thank the NRM government for its numerous poverty alleviation programs aimed at uplifting the lives of Ugandans,” he said.
Other beneficiaries, including market Vice Chairperson Mr. Kayindo Musisi Ali, vendors Sylvia Nakibuule and Sandra Namugenyi, as well as pineapple trader Nelson Ssimbwa, also expressed their appreciation and pledged unwavering political support.
“We are going to vote for President Museveni again and again,” Namugenyi affirmed.
“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,” Ssimbwa added.
