KAMPALA - Excitement and jubilation filled Kololo Independence Grounds on Tuesday, July 29, as street hawkers operating across Kampala City received President Yoweri Museveni's worth sh300m cash package.
Each vendor received sh100,000. The day's harvest also included cash proceeds from selling the fruit that many of them vended at the events.
State House Comptroller, Ms. Jane Barekye, who delivered the money on behalf of the President, said this was part of an ongoing presidential initiative to uplift informal traders and integrate them into the formal money economy.
“This program has been ongoing, and it will continue across the country,” Ms. Barekye told the hawkers.

State House Comptroller, Ms. Jane Barekye, who delivered the money on behalf of the President, said this was part of an ongoing presidential initiative to uplift informal traders and integrate them into the formal money economy.
The President is determined to ensure that every Ugandan joins the money economy. That is why he’s reaching out to even the street vendors, supporting them with capital.
She also revealed that the President will follow up with the vendors' enterprises to assess the impact of the support and determine possible areas of assistance further.
The recipients, according to a release from the Presidental Press Units, were organised by Senior Presidential Advisor on Political Mobilisation, Mr. Moses Byaruhanga.
Addressing hundreds, majority of whom carried basketfuls of fruits, Hajjat Minsa Kabanda, Minister for Kampala and Metropolitan Affairs, encouraged vendors to take advantage of other government programs such as the Presidential Skilling Centres, Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emyooga.

In a direct political appeal, she urged vendors to support the National Resistance Movement (NRM) in the 2026 general elections.
“I want to inform you that President Museveni will be on the ballot in 2026. Please vote for him and all NRM candidates. Where you see a bus, tick,” Hajjat Kabanda said, referring to the NRM party symbol.
Hajjat Kabanda also urged hawkers to observe city cleanliness and proper conduct.
“Please avoid operating in the wrong places and don’t litter the streets. We need a clean and organised Kampala. Carry polyethene bags for your banana peelings and fruit remains, and avoid stepping on green spaces,” she said.

Byaruhanga lauded the hawkers, whom he described as an organised group who allowed the President to identify their needs and deliver targeted support.
“Through your leaders, we have found out how to support you,” Mr. Byaruhanga explained.
He dismissed arguments that fears that supporting vendors would lead to more unregulated hawking, noting that while Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) has operational guidelines, the government will continue to support the vulnerable.
“We cannot leave them to die on the streets just because we fear many more will come. As the city becomes more organised, they will be able to work in places where customers can find them easily,” he said.

Byaruhanga echoed the call for cleanliness and discipline, asking hawkers to respect KCCA regulations to maintain a tidy and organised city.
Kampala Central Division Mayor, Salim Uhuru, rallied behind the hawkers and thanked President Museveni for recognising their resilience and importance to the city's economy.
“Others want to chase you from the city, but President Museveni insists that you remain and work for your families. Don’t forget to vote for him in the upcoming elections,” he said.
Other dignitaries at the event included: Presidential Advisor on Kampala Affairs Hajjat Sarah Kanyike, Kampala Division NRM chairpersons and other party officials.