MUSEVENI BEGINS KAMPALA TOUR WITH WEALTH CREATION GOSPEL

The atmosphere was electric at Busega Market as President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni officially kicked off his wealth creation tour of Kampala with a warm and spirited welcome in Rubaga Division on Monday.

It was not just another presidential event, it was a celebration, a political statement, and a nod to Uganda’s small-scale traders who are the heartbeat of the informal economy. 

At 12:20 p.m., the President, accompanied by First Lady Janet Kataaha Museveni, arrived at Busega greeted by cheering crowds, waving posters, and the blaring sound of Tubonga Nawe, a song that has become synonymous with the NRM party. 

The market came to life with yellow flags, ululations, and joy as Museveni made his entrance into one of the city’s largest vendor hub.

“I’m happy to be here with Mama,” the President said, standing before hundreds of vendors and supporters who gathered outside the market. 

“The message of NRM is work to make wealth, whether as an owner or a worker.”

In his address, President Museveni gave a mini-economic lecture to the attentive audience, breaking down what he described as “the three ways to create wealth.”

“First is commercial agriculture. You can be a large-scale or small-scale farmer, but the key is to produce for the market,” he explained, reinforcing a message he has championed for decades. 

To make his point stick, the President even screened a short video showcasing a successful farmer, demonstrating how commercial agriculture can lift families out of poverty.

“Second,” the President continued, “is artisanship, metalwork, carpentry, tailoring, ceramics. These are skills that can make you money.” a long this is industry, big factories, often set up by rich people from here or abroad. 

And lastly, services, where vendors of Busega market and most traders belong “The vendors, traders, and shopkeepers you're not growing food, but offering a service. Buying from the farmers and selling, you're part of the wealth creation chain.”

“And there is a new one,” he added with a smile. “Digital, this is the future. Even if you’re selling second-hand clothes, you can sell online.”

Museveni praised the vendors for embracing the service sector and promised to support their growth. 

“You asked me to buy land for the fishmongers’ department. I will get more details from Buzeki and see that it’s done,” he promised.

Busega Market, built by the Ministry of Local Government and handed over to KCCA in 2022, now accommodates 2,836 registered vendors, 1,071 men and 1,765 women. 

It is one of Kampala’s modern public markets well organized with 678 lock-ups and 433 pitches, the market offers free trading space to low-income earners who once struggled on the streets and walkways.

“Your Excellence, we are grateful. This is your effort to get Ugandans out of poverty,” Sharifah Buzeki, the KCCA Executive Director, said as she officially welcomed Museveni to Kampala. “This market has restored order, created jobs, and empowered our women and youth.”

She added that the market still has a few vacant stalls, calling upon more traders to register and take advantage of the free, well-managed space.

To support the market’s economic activities, Museveni donated UGX 100 million each to three savings and credit cooperatives (SACCOs) and UGX 50 million to a Muslim SACCO operating in the market.

But even amid the development talk, the veteran leader reminded the crowd of his political mission.

“Let us vote wisely,” Museveni urged. “Support the people who believe in work and wealth creation.”

For vendors like Jimmy Kavuma, Chairperson of the Busega Market Fish Department, the day was nothing short of a dream come true.

“We used to trade on the streets,” he said. “Now we have a clean, safe, and organized space to work from. We thank the President for not just talking, but building.”

Hajjat Minsa Kabanda, Minister for Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs, commended the president for the market and the transformative impact it has had.

“Your excellence, we love you so much,” she said to loud applause.

KCCA currently manages 16 markets across the city, with Busega in Rubaga Division standing out as a flagship project of people-centered development.

Several dignitaries attended the ceremony, including Government Chief Whip Hamson Obua, Minister for Microfinance Haruna Kasolo, KCCA Deputy Executive Director Benon Kigenyi, and State Minister for Youth and Children Affairs Balaam Barugahare.

After the event at Busega, the President visited a Parish Development Model beneficiary in Busega and Bakitende Expert Garage in Kavumbi Zone in Rubaga division.

The President’s Kampala tour continues this week:

Tuesday, July 15 – Makindye Division: President Museveni will inspect ongoing construction works along Salaama Road and meet beneficiaries of the Parish Development Model (PDM) and other government wealth creation programs.

Friday, July 18 – Nakawa Division: The President will meet with NRM branch chairpersons from all five Kampala divisions, followed by an engagement with NRM councillors.

Saturday, July 19 – Kawempe Division: Museveni will interact with informal youth groups and “ghetto structures.”

Sunday, July 20 – Central Division: The weeklong tour will climax with a public rally at Kololo Independence Grounds.

By Geofrey Mutegeki Araali

Communication and Media Relations Officer