A president just threw a billion shillings at some mechanics and is now asking where his last cash infusion went. Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni, with his wife Janet also there, promised huge funding for mechanics groups in Kampala. He said the government would put 1 billion Ugandan shillings into each of the five mechanics SACCOs in Kampala's divisions. He also mentioned including nearby areas like Wakiso and Mukono districts, with each getting a billion too. This happened during a meeting at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds with mechanics and garage operators from the city and the surrounding region.
Museveni explained the cash would work as loans for individual workers to buy tools. They could borrow amounts like 700,000 or 4 million shillings, paying it back with a low six percent annual interest. He admitted a previous grant of 100 million was insufficient, prompting this bigger pledge. He told the mechanics in Kampala to merge into one single SACCO for smoother management. He promised an initial 200 million before the elections, with more budgeted later. Museveni confirmed other plans, like buying land for communal garages with shared equipment like wheel loaders. He stressed that any government-donated land or gear must stay in the state's name, not owned by individuals. The president then questioned what happened to funds sent to mechanics associations in Kampala and Masaka a decade ago. He ordered an investigation into that money's use, vowing to find who mismanaged it. He denied ever neglecting garage operators, pointing to earlier support programs.
The meeting included various officials echoing support. The Minister for Kampala, Hajjat Minsa Kabanda, stated that most mechanics back the ruling NRM government. A presidential youth assistant, Hellen Seku, thanked Museveni for the earlier 100 million. A special assistant, Kisakyamukama Yiga, asked for land purchase support too. The Kampala Central Division Mayor, Salim Uhuru, claimed areas like Kiseka Market are now peaceful under NRM leadership. Several mechanic representatives from places like Mpigi, including people named Nayika Musa and Charles Obbo, presented their requests directly to the president during the gathering. Museveni also briefly mentioned a health insurance scheme review and potential funds for women in garages and for sex workers seeking other jobs.
Museveni explained the cash would work as loans for individual workers to buy tools. They could borrow amounts like 700,000 or 4 million shillings, paying it back with a low six percent annual interest. He admitted a previous grant of 100 million was insufficient, prompting this bigger pledge. He told the mechanics in Kampala to merge into one single SACCO for smoother management. He promised an initial 200 million before the elections, with more budgeted later. Museveni confirmed other plans, like buying land for communal garages with shared equipment like wheel loaders. He stressed that any government-donated land or gear must stay in the state's name, not owned by individuals. The president then questioned what happened to funds sent to mechanics associations in Kampala and Masaka a decade ago. He ordered an investigation into that money's use, vowing to find who mismanaged it. He denied ever neglecting garage operators, pointing to earlier support programs.
The meeting included various officials echoing support. The Minister for Kampala, Hajjat Minsa Kabanda, stated that most mechanics back the ruling NRM government. A presidential youth assistant, Hellen Seku, thanked Museveni for the earlier 100 million. A special assistant, Kisakyamukama Yiga, asked for land purchase support too. The Kampala Central Division Mayor, Salim Uhuru, claimed areas like Kiseka Market are now peaceful under NRM leadership. Several mechanic representatives from places like Mpigi, including people named Nayika Musa and Charles Obbo, presented their requests directly to the president during the gathering. Museveni also briefly mentioned a health insurance scheme review and potential funds for women in garages and for sex workers seeking other jobs.
