President Yoweri Museveni has pledged to inject sh 5billion into mechanics’ Savings and Credit Cooperatives (SACCOs) in the five divisions of Kampala.
The President made the announcement while meeting mechanics and garage operators from Kampala and its metropolitan area at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds.
The pledge extends to the metropolitan districts of Wakiso and Mukono, which would also receive 1 billion shillings each. “We can even say 1 billion shillings per division. If you say 5 billion for Kampala, then Wakiso 1 billion and Mukono 1 billion, that’s not too much money,” Museveni said.
During the engagement, mechanics presented sector priorities including insurance coverage, structured representation and access to tools and capital. Museveni stated the funds would allow individual mechanics to borrow money to purchase equipment.
“You will be able to borrow money like 700,000 shillings, 2 million or 4 million to buy tools. You borrow, you use and pay back with a simple interest of 6% per annum,” he said.
Museveni said he decided to increase the funding after realizing a recent allocation of 100 million shillings was insufficient. He urged mechanics in Kampala’s five divisions to form a single SACCO for easier fund management.
“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.
