Government Launches Support Plan for Garages and Service Providers

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has today called on all Ugandans, particularly youth and skilled workers in urban areas, to embrace wealth creation by actively participating in the economy as owners, trainees, or workers.

Accompanied by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Museveni, the President emphasized that no one should remain idle or dependent, warning that poverty is a personal issue that can only be overcome through engagement in productive sectors.

Speaking during a visit to Bakitende Expert Garage in Wakaliga-Nateete, Rubaga Division, Kampala, President Museveni described wealth creation as the foundation of national transformation. He urged mechanics, artisans, and service providers in Kampala to take advantage of government support and organize themselves into productive units.

“I want every Ugandan to be part of wealth creation, whether as a commercial farmer, artisan, industrialist, or service provider,” the President said.

The visit was part of a five-day Parish Development Model (PDM) Presidential assessment tour in Kampala, which commenced today.

“You must be either an owner, a worker, or a trainee. That is how we move forward as a country and end backwardness,” he said.

President Museveni reiterated that commercial agriculture remains a viable path to wealth, even for those with limited land.
“Even on a small piece of land, you can make money if you plan well and work with ekibaro (calculation). I’ve been teaching this in rural areas, and the same principle applies here,” he said.

He highlighted trades such as carpentry, shoemaking, welding, and tailoring as powerful tools for wealth creation, stressing the need to support artisans to grow their businesses.
“You are producing shoes, sweaters, metal doors, that is real production, and production is wealth. If you don’t own the business, then be a skilled worker in it,” he added.

The President also emphasized the importance of the service sector, particularly garages, catering services, and spare parts suppliers, describing them as critical to maintaining productivity.

“In the service sector, you may not be creating new products, but you’re maintaining what we already have,” he noted.

He pledged government support to garages and service providers in Kampala, including provision of equipment and funding. A plan will be developed in collaboration with local leaders to ensure the efficient distribution of machinery such as breakdown trucks, tyre inflators, welding machines, and loaders.

“Some equipment, like breakdown trucks, can be shared at parish or sub-county level, but others, like inflators, must be assigned per garage to ensure effectiveness,” the President said.
“We shall begin here in Kampala and later scale to other cities. But this must be well-organized.”

He also announced a funding initiative for food suppliers and spare parts dealers, with each sub-county set to receive Shs 20 million in support.
“But you must unite. If this money is given to individuals, it will have little impact. Form groups and cooperatives,” he advised.

In a further commitment, President Museveni pledged that government would purchase land to provide permanent workspaces for garages and trainees. He acknowledged that previous support had been extended to garages and boda boda riders but said poor follow-up had led to limited success.

“I gave support before, but I’m not sure how it ended. I was busy and assumed the work was ongoing. This time, my State House team will follow up closely to ensure everything is implemented,” he assured.

The President also criticized opposition leaders in Kampala, accusing them of failing to advocate for their constituents. He cited Busega Market—launched earlier in the day, where traders complained about the poor road from the Northern Bypass.

“I thought the Northern Bypass was fully functional. But if you elect leaders who don’t engage with me, how will I know what’s not working?” he asked.
“You are suffering not because government programs don’t exist, but because you ignore them due to politics. Elect NRM leaders who will work with us to solve your issues.”

He noted that initiatives like the Parish Development Model are open to all Ugandans, but political divisions have deprived many of access.
“If a SACCO in Rubaga has 240 members, how can we fail to support it? Don’t sabotage yourselves out of ignorance,” he said.
“Don’t reject development because of politics.”

Earlier, the President was warmly welcomed by the leadership of Bakitende Expert Garage, a training hub for ghetto youth and mechanics in Rubaga. The garage currently supports 120 members, including 65 trainees.

Garage Chairman Mr. Muhamood Sonko thanked the President for his visit and support. He explained that the garage was formed after the group was evicted from Kisenyi and decided to unite to create a shared workshop.

“We have trained 65 youths, and 20 of them are now experts. We don’t send them away after training. As long as they’re disciplined, they become part of us,” Mr. Sonko said.
“But we struggle with limited equipment—often, one person works while others wait for their turn.”

He appealed for government support in the form of more equipment and specialized machines, including car carriers for towing broken vehicles, toolboxes for mechanics, and vocational training tools.
“In this parish alone, we have more than 400 garages. If we receive support, it will have a ripple effect across the entire division,” he said.

Mr. Steven Sekawungu, the LC1 Chairperson, also expressed gratitude to the President for the visit, and commended his leadership in securing peace and progress for Uganda.

“You’ve worked hard for this country. Those of us who lived through previous regimes know the difference,” Mr. Sekawungu said.

Also present at the event were Government Chief Whip Denis Hamson Obua; Minister for Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs Hajjat Minsa Kabanda; State Minister for Youth and Children Affairs Hon. Balaam Barugahara; KCCA Executive Director Hajjat Sharifah Buzeki; and Hon. Rosemary Nansubuga Sseninde, Director for Mobilisation at the NRM Secretariat, among others.