State House has agreed to support mobilisers from the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) so they can become more productive and contribute to the country’s economic growth.
Moses Byaruhanga, the senior presidential adviser on mobilisation and political affairs, said this on Wednesday while meeting members of the Patriotic Development Initiatives Limited Mobilisation Team at Kagugube, near Kisekka Market in Kampala.
“I have heard your concerns. The key issue now is how to help you benefit from existing socio-economic programmes such as the Parish Development Model, Emyooga and skills training initiatives so that you can improve your livelihoods,” Byaruhanga said.
He urged mobilisers from Kagugube, Makerere Kivulu and Kisekka Market to take advantage of government programmes. Many of them are engaged in small-scale businesses such as spare parts trading and food vending.
Byaruhanga acknowledged that the Emyooga initiative has not effectively supported some low-income earners. He said efforts are under way to refine it, drawing on lessons from the Katale loan scheme, which has helped market vendors in areas including Busega, Kasubi, St Balikuddembe, Wandegeya and Usafi to access affordable credit.
He said President Museveni is willing to extend similar support to the mobilisers in recognition of their role in supporting the NRM during recent elections.
Byaruhanga cited ongoing government support programmes in Kampala, including financial assistance to thousands of banana vendors and roadside food sellers, as examples of targeted interventions aimed at improving household incomes.
He added that funding for the Parish Development Model has been increased to 300 million shillings per parish annually to help low-income earners move into the money economy.
Byaruhanga said he would meet leaders of the mobilisers to agree on clear procedures for accessing support.
James Musiime, the chairperson of the association, congratulated President Museveni on his re-election and pledged continued support for the NRM.
Musiime said the group needs bursaries for members’ children, access to capital, skills training at the National Leadership Institute in Kyankwanzi and closer collaboration with security agencies to address crime.
At the meeting, mobilisers praised the government for maintaining peace and stability, and said they would continue to support the current leadership.
