By Adam Bukenya | May 2, 2025

Kampala — The Senior Presidential Advisor on Political Mobilization, Mr. Moses Byaruhanga, on Friday, May 2, 2025, launched two types of affordable loans targeting market vendors and boda boda riders in a bid to improve their livelihoods and stabilize incomes.

Speaking during a meeting with women vendors at Kalerwe Market in Kawempe Division, Mr. Byaruhanga, on behalf of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, announced that the government—through the Microfinance Support Centre—will roll out a Katale Loan initiative. The scheme will be implemented in each market across the country.

According to Mr. Byaruhanga, the loans will carry an interest rate of just 8% annually.

“We calculated that if you get a loan of Shs1 million, the interest will be Shs80,000 per year,” he explained. “There will be no collateral, no registration fees, and no deposit required.”

He added that boda boda riders will also benefit from a tailored Boda Boda Loan scheme, under which a motorcycle worth Shs6 million will be paid back at Shs7.2 million, including all charges. The motorcycles will be insured and fitted with GPS tracking devices for safety.

During the engagement, Mr. Byaruhanga cautioned Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) enforcement officers against confiscating vendors’ goods.

“If anyone tries to confiscate your property, take a video and present it to the authorities,” he advised.

He also pledged to raise the matter with KCCA Executive Director, Hajjat Sharifah Buzeki.

Addressing the issue of property tax, Mr. Byaruhanga noted that houses occupied by their owners and not used for rental or business purposes should be exempt.

In a show of support, Mr. Byaruhanga donated Shs5 million to luggage carriers working in the market and an additional Shs5 million to the Kalerwe Women Vendors SACCO. He also pledged to support the Kawempe Boxing Club SACCO with startup capital and gym equipment.

Ms. Namata Justine, Chairperson of the Kalerwe Women Vendors Association, expressed gratitude to the President for prioritizing grassroots empowerment.

“The President, through his support, has helped women take care of their homes,” she said.