Officials from the State House Political Section have urged vendors to embrace government development programmes to improve their livelihoods.

Led by Princess Nassolo Pauline and Flora Kabibi, the team made the appeal earlier this week as they met vendors from five markets in Mukono and Wakiso districts.

The front view of Lubega market Ddungu Village, Ddungu Parish, Kyampisi sub-county Mukono district on 8th November 2022. (Photo by PPU/ Tony Rujuta)

In Mukono, they were at Kalagi, Lubega and Naigaga markets

In Wakiso, they visited Ssangalyambogo and Nakwero markets.

During their visits, Princess Nassolo advised market vendors to desist from politicking, saying it is time to work to improve their lives.

She said government development programmes, including the Parish Development Model, are meant to benefit all Ugandans irrespective of their social or political backgrounds.

“Government has different programmes intended to benefit the entire country," she said.

"However, some have ignored them for fear to be blamed for eating NRM money and then end up languishing in absolute poverty. I request you to embrace government programmes."

Flora Kabibi from the State House Political Desk and Head of the women on the State House Political desk Princess Pauline Nassolo talking to Ssangalyambogo market vendor on how to embrace government programs. (Photo by PPU/ Tony Rujuta)

On her part, Kabibi urged parents to groom their children to become responsible and morally upright citizens.

“Women are responsible for children’s upbringing. Once a child misbehaves, it’s a woman to blame for not playing her role," she said.

"Women’s negligence has resulted to bad-behaved children, who have insulted many people, including the First Family."

Head of the women on the State House Political desk Princess Pauline Nassolo (with a white cap seated on a chair left) and Flora Kabibi from the State House Political Desk (seated on a chair right) listening to issues raised by Kalagi market vendors. (Photo by PPU/ Tony Rujuta)

During the same meeting, the team gave out sh100,000 each to over 200 vendors to boost their businesses.

In response, the market vendors appreciated President Yoweri Museveni, the State House Comptroller and the State House Political Section for extending a helping hand to them.

A lady with her son roast maize at the Lubega market in Ddungu Village, Ddungu Parish, Kyampisi sub-county Mukono district on 8th November 2022. (Photo by PPU/ Tony Rujuta)

They said they will invest the funds efficiently to better their lives.

Christine Kayaga from Kalagi market said they had no working capital yet they are single mothers with a huge role of looking after their children.

"Now that we have received a booster, we shall use it to boost our businesses," she said.

Princess Pauline Nassolo and Flora Kabibi in a group photo with Ssangalyambogo market vendors in Kijjabijjo B Village, Kimanyi parish, Kiira Municipality. (Photo by PPU/ Tony Rujuta)

Edward Sserunjoji, a market vendor at Nakwero B market and also the vice-chairman of Nakwero B village, appreciated the President for sending the team to listen to their matters and boost their working capital.

“We have finally been privileged to receive a booster. We thank Princess Nassolo and Miss Flora for bringing us good tidings," he said.

"Now that we have received our booster, we ask for security since it’s a big challenge here."

Princess Pauline Nassolo and Flora Kabibi in a group photo with market vendors of Nakwero market in Nakwero zone B village, Kimanyi parish, Kiira Municipality. (Photo by PPU/ Tony Rujuta)

Ismael Kijjo Ssekito, the vice-chairman of Kalagi LC 1, revealed that Kalagi market was allegedly sold to a one Galikuwa of Nakifuma, who is reportedly threatening to evict them from the market.

He requested President Museveni to intervene in the matter to save them from being kicked out of the facility.