Museveni commits sh260m to empower Rubaga artisans, traders

The pledge was announced on Monday, July 14, during the commissioning of the sh23.8 billion Busega Market, where the President also extended financial support to various SACCOs and promised further infrastructure development to boost access and trade in the area.

Museveni commits sh260m to empower Rubaga artisans, traders
By Nelson Mandela Muhoozi
Journalists @New Vision
#President Yoweri Museveni #Busega Market #Wealth creation

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President Yoweri Museveni has pledged sh260 million to organised groups of garage operators and food vendors in Rubaga Division, Kampala, as part of wider government efforts to support small-scale artisans and traders.

The pledge was announced on Monday, July 14, during the commissioning of the sh23.8 billion Busega Market, where the President also extended financial support to various SACCOs and promised further infrastructure development to boost access and trade in the area.



“I am ready to help you in your different lines of operations,” Museveni told garage operators gathered in Ndeeba parish. “Work out a plan. Each organised garage group in the 13 parishes will receive sh20 million, totalling sh260 million for the 13 parishes. We shall do the same for food vendors, provided you form well-structured associations,” he added.

The pledge followed an earlier request by the Bakitende Expert Garage Operators, led by Muhamad Mukasa, who appealed for government support to acquire modern tools and secure workspaces.



Museveni emphasised the need for shared equipment such as breakdown trucks, welding machines, and tyre inflators, suggesting that some tools could be shared across sub-counties to maximise efficiency.

“We need at least 13 breakdown trucks across Kampala,” he said, urging the mechanics to meet with his technical team and Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) to formalise their proposals.



He also revealed that government would purchase land to accommodate garage operators in a more organised and less congested manner.

Sh100 million for Busega Market SACCOS

In a separate move, the President donated sh100 million each to three SACCOS: fish vendors, taxi operators, and market traders; and sh50 million to the Muslim traders’ SACCO, urging beneficiaries to invest the funds productively.

 Busega Central Market in Rubaga Division, Kampala

Busega Central Market in Rubaga Division, Kampala



He blamed political divisions for delays in accessing government initiatives such as the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emyooga.

“Don’t cry for those who hang themselves,” Museveni remarked. “Some people voted for the opposition, but it is the NRM government following up to ensure service delivery.”

Road access and land for fish traders

Responding to concerns from Busega Market leaders, the President promised to construct an access road from the Northern Bypass and to purchase land for the growing number of fish traders, now numbering over 700.



“I loved the speech of your spokesperson because he said that yes, you are secure now, but now give us an access road to bring in buyers. That, I am going to do,” Museveni assured.

Adding value to local produce

The event highlighted the entrepreneurial efforts of Busega Market traders, including Harriet Namawejje, whose SACCO has begun processing tomatoes into ketchup, jam, and chilli sauce.



Likewise, Ronnah Musefano of the Busega Silver Fish Grainers Association noted that their group of 15 members processes and packages silver fish for greater profitability. She appealed for sh100 million in capital to acquire better equipment and obtain UNBS certification.

KCCA executive director Sharifah Buzeki said the market now hosts 2,836 registered traders and welcomed the President’s commitment to improving supporting infrastructure.



“There are still some vacant stalls, and we invite more traders to apply within 90 days,” she said.

Minister for Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs, Minsa Kabanda, requested a private audience with the President to address unresolved matters and pledged the NRM’s readiness to counter opposition influence.

President Museveni concluded his tour by urging voters to elect leaders who actively follow up on government programmes.



“I had never even heard of the area MP,” he remarked. “You should choose leaders who represent your needs.”

To reinforce local leadership, Museveni donated sh12 million each to the LC1 chairperson and the NRM chairperson of the area.