Museveni honours pledge to Wakiso market vendors SACCO

WAKISO - President Yoweri Museveni has honoured his sh10 million pledge for the Wakiso district-based Kayunga Daily Market vendors, boosting their Savings and Credit Cooperative Society (SACCO).

Museveni initially made the pledge in 2015 during his stopover en route to Destiny’s Bridge Gombe Primary School.

The funds were officially handed over to the vendors on Friday (January 2) at their market in Wakiso town council.

Representing the President, Special Presidential Assistant for Communications at State House, Ian Jeremiah Gumisiriza, handed over the money to the SACCO treasurer, Hamidah Nabunya, in the presence of the town council officials and market vendors.

In his remarks, Gumisiriza encouraged vendors to actively participate in other government-led wealth creation initiatives to strengthen their livelihoods and create more employment opportunities.

“The SACCO can leverage programmes such as Emyooga, the Parish Development Model (PDM), and government skilling hubs to access affordable loans and expand their businesses. If you have a stall, you can borrow to open another. Managing both creates jobs and fosters growth,” he said.

Gumisiriza highlighted nationwide success stories of individuals who, through government skilling hubs, transformed from unemployed to business owners and employers, demonstrating the potential of organized participation.

He also clarified that the funds are a fulfilment of the President’s commitment, and not a political gesture.

“I would also like to make this clear that bringing this money now does not mean that we have come here to bribe you to vote for President Museveni, but the SACCO faced challenges during COVID-19."

Ian Gumisiriza (in yellow) with he SACCOS' executive and some of the members. (Credit: Jeff Andrew Lule)

The SACCO nearly collapsed during COVID-19, but members stayed resilient through their little savings.

“I would like to thank the members for remaining resilient and managed to resurrect the SACCO that almost collapsed, and after our assessment, we found out that it was back on track and members are ready to use the money. We passed on the message to the President, and he fulfilled his pledge I have today handed over to the members and SACCO executive,” said Gumisiriza.

He​ also encouraged vendors to display the national flag proudly, emphasising it is a symbol of unity and patriotism rather than political affiliation.

The Wakiso town council mayor, Fredson Mukalazi, commended the President for honouring the pledge and urged vendors to utilise the funds responsibly to expand their small-scale businesses.

SACCO treasurer Nabunya expressed gratitude and requested additional support to mitigate COVID-19 setbacks and accommodate the SACCO’s growing membership.

The National Resistance Movement (NRM) party vice-chairperson for Wakiso town council, Paddy Mutume, confirmed that the area secured two slots under PDM and thanked the government for its continued support.