PRESIDENT MUSEVENI PLEDGES SHS85 BILLION REVOLVING FUND FOR SALON OPERATORS

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has promised to support salon
operators across the country with a revolving fund of Shs85 billion to
boost their businesses.

He made the commitment today at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds while
officiating at the launch of the Federation of Uganda Salon Operators
and Beauty Professionals.

President Museveni congratulated salon operators for the vital services
they provide to Ugandans, noting that their work plays a key role in
society, especially as urbanisation increases and people become busier.

Some of the salon operators showing the skills of beautifying the ladies during President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni Launch of the Federation of Uganda Salons and Beauty Professionals and 850 SACCOs at the Kololo Ceremonial Grounds on 14th December 2025. Photo by PPU/Tony Rujuta.

He reflected on the colonial era when African identity and beauty were
undermined, stressing that Africans were made to believe they were not
beautiful and had to imitate Europeans. He said this mindset was
defeated and Africans have since asserted their own beauty, which is
appreciated in its diversity, particularly in the Great Lakes region.

President Museveni welcomed the fact that salon operators are
developing and defining their own beauty products, describing this as a
positive step towards self-reliance.

On financing, the President explained that the government will provide
support through a revolving fund by allocating Shs100 million per

SACCO annually. With about 850 SACCOs countrywide, he noted that
this would amount to approximately Shs85 billion in a year.

Salon owners warmly welcome President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for the Launch of the Federation of Uganda Salons and Beauty Professionals and 850 SACCOs at the Kololo Ceremonial Grounds on 14th December 2025. Photo by PPU/Tony Rujuta.

He said the revolving fund model has worked under the Parish
Development Model because beneficiaries borrow the money, use it
productively and repay it with minimal interest.

The President added that salon operators have a unique business model
compared to crop farmers under PDM, suggesting that instead of a two-
year repayment period, salon operators could be given loans for one
year, use the money and return it with a small interest.

The Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa, thanked
the President for always remembering ordinary Ugandans, saying many
leaders often overlook the poor. He also commended Gen. Salim Saleh
and Operation Wealth Creation, noting that his office was among the first
to engage and support the salon operators.

Rt. Hon. Tayebwa further observed that funds for the salon industry and
other groups are often provided for in the national budget but are not
released by the responsible institutions, particularly the Microfinance
Support Centre.

The Minister of State for Youth and Children Affairs, Hon. Balaam
Barugahara, noted that the informal sector includes not only salon
operators but also other groups such as tailors and artisans operating in
different parts of the country.

He also urged the youth to continue supporting President Museveni,
saying his leadership remains key to lifting Ugandans out of poverty.

The Chairperson of the Federation of Uganda Salon Operators and
Beauty Professionals, Mr. Kamanyire Celestine, thanked the President
for prioritising grassroot entrepreneurs.

He requested the President to formally launch their 850 SACCOs across
the country, grant the federation a mandate to operate, and provide
financial support of at least Shs100 million per SACCO, noting that each
SACCO has more than 50 members.

He also appealed for the establishment of a common user facility.