By Karim Were
KAMPALA — The Manager of the Office of the National Chairman (ONC), Hajjat Hadijah Namyalo Uzeiye, has urged market vendors in Kampala to embrace government wealth creation programmes, saying economic empowerment should remain a priority during President Yoweri Museveni’s current term of office.
Namyalo made the remarks while officiating at the finals of the Nakawa Market football tournament held at Phillip Omondi Stadium in Lugogo, where she addressed hundreds of traders drawn from different sections of the market.
She called on vendors to take advantage of government initiatives aimed at supporting small businesses, improving household incomes and promoting financial independence.
Namyalo said the government remains committed to empowering ordinary Ugandans through programmes designed to reduce poverty and create sustainable livelihoods.
She noted that organised groups, including market associations, are better placed to access government support and benefit from wealth creation interventions.
The ONC manager also commended the organisers of the football tournament, saying sports play an important role in promoting unity, teamwork and peaceful coexistence among members of the business community.
During the event, she presented cash prizes to participating teams, with champions Kasoli FC, representing maize vendors, receiving Shs1 million. Nyanya FC, representing tomato traders, finished second and received Shs500,000, while Nyama FC claimed third place and was awarded Shs300,000. Cassava vendors also received Shs200,000 in recognition of their participation.
The event was attended by the Minister for Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs, Hajjat Minsa Kabanda, who joined Namyalo in encouraging traders to work together and utilise government programmes aimed at improving their livelihoods.
Namyalo reaffirmed the Office of the National Chairman’s commitment to working closely with market leaders to support women, youth and small-scale entrepreneurs through mobilisation, guidance and economic empowerment initiatives.
She said the office would continue engaging communities across the country to promote government programmes intended to improve household incomes and enhance socio-economic development.
