PRESIDENT MUSEVENI TO INJECT SHS1 BILLION IN EACH MECHANICS SACCO IN KAMPALA

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has pledged that the government will
inject Shs 1 billion in each of the five mechanics SACCO in the five
divisions of Kampala City.

The President also noted that the Metropolitan Area Districts such
Wakiso, and Mukono will as well benefit from the project with each
district receiving Shs1 billion.
“We can even say Shs1 billion per division. If you say Shs5 billion for
Kampala, then Wakiso Shs1 billion and Mukono Shs1 billion, that's not
too much money,” he said.

The President, accompanied by the First Lady and Minister of Education
and Sports, Maama Janet Museveni, made the pledge today while
meeting a group of mechanics and garage operators in Kampala City
and Metropolitan Area at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds.

During the engagement, the mechanics presented their sector priorities
including insurance coverage, structured representation, and access to
tools and capital.

According to the President, the money will be borrowed by individual
mechanics to buy tools to help them ease their operations.

“You will be able to borrow money like Shs700,000, Shs2 million or Shs4
million to buy tools. You borrow, you use and pay back with a simple
interest of 6 percent per annum,” he stated.

President Museveni also revealed that he took the decision to increase
the funds after realising that the recent Shs100 million the government
gave them is not enough.

He further urged the mechanics in the five divisions of Kampala to form
one SACCO for easy management of the funds.

“Even during this period before elections, we are going to first add you
Shs200 million. Then after elections, we shall see what we can do more
in the next budget,” he said, further informing the mechanics that he is
meeting them as the current President of Uganda, not as a Presidential
candidate.

President Museveni also confirmed government plans to purchase land
and establish garages for mechanics to operate with fully equipped
common user facilities such as modern equipment, breakdown services
and wheel loaders.

He emphasised that when the government donates the equipment, they
should not be owned by individuals, and that they should be used to
benefit all the intended groups.

“All that you are requesting is possible. We are going to purchase land
for you. The most important issue you raised is that when we buy these
equipment, they will remain in the government's name,” he said.

“Properties which we donate, like the land, should remain in the name
of the government. Now the question is when we set up the garage and
equipment, who will be responsible for these machines?” he inquired.
President Museveni also questioned the use of funds he directed to
garage and mechanics’ associations in Kampala and Masaka some
years back.

“I sent funding to mechanics and garage associations 10 years ago.
Now I have come to demand for accountability,” he said.

“We are here and we are still alive, we shall soon know who
mismanaged those equipment,” he said before ordering for a probe into
the utilisation of the funds disbursed to mechanics in Kampala and
Masaka.

Furthermore, he dismissed claims that the government neglected garage
operators and mechanics, citing several earlier support initiatives to the
sector.

President Museveni also hinted on the planned health insurance scheme
under review and promised to initiate a separate fund to support women
working in motor garages as well as funds to help sex workers quit that
occupation and embrace decent job opportunities.

The Minister for Kampala and Metropolitan Affairs, Hajjat Minsa
Kabanda assured the President that most of the mechanics in Kampala
are supporting the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government.
She also underscored their role in the socio-economic transformation of
Uganda and assured them of more government support.

“We should work together to steer more development in Uganda,” she
said.

On her part, the Commissioner of the National Secretariat for the
Patriotism Corps and Private Secretary to H.E the President in charge of
Youth Affairs, Ms. Hellen Seku hailed President Museveni for
empowering mechanics in Kampala and for accepting to meet them to
discuss challenges and progress in their work.

“I thank you for the Shs100 million you invested in each mechanics
SACCO across the five divisions of Kampala which has overwhelmingly
empowered them economically. Today marks yet another step towards
transforming this group to greater heights,” she said.

The Special Presidential Assistant, Kisakyamukama Yiga commended
President Museveni for supporting the mechanics to fight poverty and
improve their livelihoods.

“Mzee, you gave Shs500 million to the Mechanics & Garage Operators
SACCOs in Kampala. However, we also thought you would support us
by purchasing a 100-by-100 plot of land in the name of the Presidential
Initiative for Garage Owners and Mechanics Association,” he appealed.

The Kampala Central Division Mayor and NRM Chairperson for
Kampala, Mr. Salim Uhuru informed the President that due to the good
leadership of the National Resistance Movement government, places
like Kiseka Market which were known for chaos are now peaceful.

“There is no more chaos or burning of tires in Kiseka Market. The place
is now peaceful, the mechanics are organised, and many of them
proudly support the NRM and your leadership, Mr President,” he said.

Several Division mechanic representatives from Kampala, Wakiso and
Mpigi who included Nayika Musa, Charles Obbo, Kabogoza Toffa,
Zzimbe Hudson, among others submitted their support requests to
President Museveni during the engagement.