Kampala, Uganda: President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has pledged to inject Shs1 billion into each of the five mechanics SACCOs operating in the five divisions of Kampala City, in a major boost aimed at strengthening tools access, capital, and organised garage operations.
The President further announced that Wakiso District and Mukono District will also benefit from the initiative, with each district set to receive 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,” Museveni said.
The pledge was made on Sunday, December 28, during an engagement with mechanics and garage operators from Kampala City and the Metropolitan Area at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds. The President was accompanied by the First Lady and the Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Kataaha Museveni.
During the engagement, mechanics presented sector priorities including access to affordable tools, insurance coverage, structured representation, and improved access to capital.
Museveni explained that the funds will be accessed through SACCO loans, allowing individual mechanics to borrow modest amounts to acquire tools essential for their trade. “You will be able to borrow Shs700,000, Shs2 million or Shs4 million to buy tools. You borrow, you use and pay back with a simple interest of six percent per annum,” he said.
The President disclosed that he opted to scale up funding after realising that the earlier Shs100 million support extended to mechanics’ SACCOs was insufficient to meet sector needs.
He urged mechanics across Kampala’s five divisions to consolidate into one SACCO per division to ease management and accountability of government 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,” Museveni said, clarifying that he was engaging them in his capacity as President, not as a presidential candidate.
Museveni also confirmed government plans to purchase land and establish fully equipped common-user garages, complete with modern tools, breakdown services, and heavy equipment such as wheel loaders.
However, he stressed that assets provided by government must remain public property. “When we buy these equipment, they will remain in the government’s name. They should not be owned by individuals but used to benefit all the intended groups,” he said, raising questions about accountability and management structures.
The President further ordered investigations into the utilisation of funds and equipment previously provided to mechanics’ associations in Kampala and Masaka nearly a decade ago. “I sent funding to mechanics and garage associations 10 years ago. Now I have come to demand accountability,” Museveni said, directing a probe into possible mismanagement.
He dismissed claims that government had neglected mechanics and garage operators, citing multiple past interventions, and also hinted at a national health insurance scheme under review.
Museveni additionally promised to create a special fund for women working in motor garages, as well as support programmes aimed at helping sex workers transition into decent employment.
The Minister for Kampala and Metropolitan Affairs, Minsa Kabanda, assured the President of strong support for the National Resistance Movement among mechanics in Kampala, noting their contribution to Uganda’s socio-economic transformation.
Kampala Central Division Mayor and NRM Chairperson for Kampala, Salim Uhuru, said areas such as Kiseka Market had stabilised under NRM leadership. “There is no more chaos or burning of tyres in Kiseka Market. The mechanics are organised, and many of them proudly support your leadership,” Uhuru said.
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