(Mityana) – President Yoweri Museveni has extended financial support to 112 roadside market vendors in Mityana district to assist them in expanding their businesses. The vendors, primarily selling vegetables and fruits from the Zigoti and Ttamu-Nakibengeyi markets, each received UGX 100,000 as additional capital for their ventures.
State House officials, led by senior presidential advisor Elderly Princess Pauline Nassolo and Flora Kabibi, delivered the financial assistance on November 13, 2024. Nassolo explained that the President’s decision to provide this support was aimed at helping the vendors grow their businesses and improve their household incomes.
“You should utilize this package well from His Excellency the President as you wait to also benefit from other government programmes like the Parish Development Model (PDM),” Nassolo told the excited vendors.
She emphasized that President Museveni cares deeply about their well-being, highlighting that his government has introduced various poverty alleviation programs, including those designed to increase homestead incomes for Ugandans. “Development such as good roads, electricity, and improved healthcare and education is a government responsibility, but creating wealth is upon us, the individuals. Fight poverty to improve your livelihoods, stop working for only the stomach,” she urged.
In addition, Nassolo advised the vendors to refrain from engaging in politics and instead focus on improving their economic situations. She encouraged them to take advantage of government programs like PDM and Emyooga to access more financial support and join the money economy.
“When the time for politics comes, get actively involved by voting for leaders who care about you and your interests. But right now, what you should focus on is improving your lives,” she said.
Nassolo also took the opportunity to speak to parents, urging them to guide their children away from harmful behaviors such as drug abuse and immorality. “Also teach your children how to work. Once in a while, bring them to your workplaces so that they help you,” she added.
Flora Kabibi, another State House official, thanked the vendors for their hard work and dedication to improving their families’ welfare. “Continue working hard to improve your livelihoods,” she advised them, also encouraging them to use the business booster package wisely. “Although the money is small, please try hard to multiply it,” she urged.
The vendors expressed their gratitude to President Museveni for the financial support. Zigoti Market chairperson Amina Nassaka Ssemujju praised the President for the timely assistance, noting that the money would help their small businesses grow.
“Your Excellency, thank you for sending these transparent people to us. They have delivered our package well,” Ssemujju said. She also encouraged fellow women to work hard and be self-reliant, emphasizing that women should not depend on men for financial support.
Joan Kisakye, another vendor from Zigoti Market, thanked the President for the additional capital and promised to use the money to grow her vegetable business. Bena Nabilongo, also a vendor, expressed her appreciation, stating that she would support President Museveni in the 2026 Presidential election as a token of her gratitude for his care and support.
From Ttamu-Nakibengeyi Market, chairperson Goretti Namiiro expressed similar thanks, emphasizing that the financial boost would make a significant difference in their lives. “We thank you, Mzee. We are right behind you and we are also working to improve our lives. This money is a big push for us all,” she said.
Henry Sengonzi, a fruit and vegetable vendor from Ttamu-Nakibengeyi Market, was also grateful for the support. He promised to make good use of the money to grow his business. Additionally, he urged fellow youths to avoid criminality and get involved in productive economic activities. “I urge my fellow youths to stop begging and work,” Sengonzi said.
