“You Should Vote NRM For More Support” Byaruhanga Urges Market Leaders As He Sensitize Them On Katale Loans

The Senior Presidential Advisor in-charge of political Mobilisation, Mr.
Moses Byaruhanga has reiterated the government commitment to
continue supporting market vendors to improve their livelihoods.

He said the government is working around the clock to ensure that
vendors get support to sustain their businesses through the Katale loan.
“The aim of this loan is to help our vendors get money at a very low
interest rate,” he said.

Mr. Byaruhanga made the remarks today while meeting leaders of
different markets in Kampala City. The event was held at Kolping Hotel,
Kawempe Division.

The meeting was aimed at sensitizing leaders of markets in Kampala
regarding the Katale loan project which is set to be rolled out in different
markets to help vendors grow and sustain their small enterprises.

The project is being handled by the State House with support from the
Microfinance Support Centre (MSC).

Mr. Byaruhanga explained that the project is going to be first piloted on
six markets which include St. Balikuddembe/Owino, Kalerwe, Nakawa,
Ggaba, Nakasero as well as Busega and it will be officially launched in
the near future.

“This money is returned within a year, and you are given a grace period
of 1 month before you start paying back the interest,” he noted.

He said vendors will receive the loans individually via Mobile Money.
“You will be required to get guarantors. This will help to promote
efficiency within the project,” he noted.

“The pilot will run for three months and see how the six markets have
performed. From there, we shall roll it out to other markets.”
Mr. Byaruhanga further reminded the vendors that President Yoweri
Kaguta Museveni has always supported markets, pointing out Owino
Market where the President has invested billions of shillings.
“You will not eat the good tarmac road, hospital or school, you need
money in your pockets to improve your livelihoods.”

On the other hand, Mr. Byaruhanga assured the vendors that the
government will add more money to the myoogas which have performed
well.

“Last year, we did an inspection exercise in Kampala regarding the
performance of Emyooga, we found out that over 200 myoogas were
dysfunctional. But those who were performing well, we shall add them
Shs 20 million,” he said.

Mr. Byaruhanga implored the vendors to vote for NRM MPs who are
ideologically oriented. He explained that the NRM MPs will represent
their interests which is not the case with the opposition legislators.

“You are leaders in your markets, rally your fellow vendors to support
President Museveni and other NRM flagbearers for continued
development,” he stated.

He also reminded the vendors how with the support of the President, his
office managed to stop the spread of cholera in Kampala after
introducing the clean water project in the most prone areas of the city.
In May last year, President Museveni directed the MSC to extend low
interest government funding- Katale loan at an interest rate of 8 percent
per annum.

The first of its kind, the project will benefit thousands of vendors across
Kampala markets and it will save the beneficiaries from unscrupulous
money lenders whose terms and conditions are unfavourable.

The Head of Business Development Services, MSC, Mr. Gidson
Ainamani, noted that the pilot will help them get a better product which
will be later rolled out to other markets.
“We are just starting. That's why we are piloting starting with 6 markets,”
he said.

The Communications Manager of MSC, Mr. Tadeo Atuhura said the
centre is mandated to sensitize the masses on financial management
and offer financial support through the government to Ugandans.
“The program is non- discriminatory, it's for all vendors irrespective of
their political affiliation,” he said.

On their part, the vendors commended President Museveni for
empowering them through various programs such as Katale loan.

Ms. Namayanja Faridah, Usafi market Vice Chairperson requested Mr.
Byaruhanga that they also need the Katale loan and they will be grateful
if they are involved in the second phase of the project.