President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has launched affordable loans to Boda Boda riders and market vendors in Kawempe division, aimed at helping the vendors and boda boda riders improve their livelihoods by stabilizing their income.
The initiative, dubbed the “Katale Loan Initiative’’ , was officially launched at Kalerwe Market by Senior Presidential Advisor on Political Mobilization, Mr. Moses Byaruhanga, who represented the President at the event on 2nd, May 2025.
The scheme is being implemented in partnership with the Microfinance Support Centre, under this initiative vendors will access loans at an interest rate of just 8% per annum without the need of a collateral or registration fees.
“For instance, a loan of Shs1 million will attract an annual interest of only Shs80,000,” Byaruhanga explained and this will come with no collateral and there will be no money for registration,” Byaruhanga further clarified.
He further noted that boda boda riders will also be able to access boda boda loans, whereby they will be required to pay Shs 7.2m for a boda boda of Shs 6m, after full payment of the loan.
“We don’t need any deposit, GPS for tracking will be installed on the motorcycle and it will also be insured.” He said.
Additionally Byaruhanga cautioned the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) enforcement team against confiscating the merchandise of vendors but rather apply dialogue mechanism when dealing with vendors.
“Take a video if anyone tries to confiscate your property and present it to the authorities,” Byaruhanga advised the vendors.
“Meanwhile, Iam going to going to engage the KCCA Executive Director, Hajjat Sharifah Buzeki on the issue.” He added.
On the issue of property tax, Mr. Byaruhanga stated that if a house is occupied by the owners not for rent or business, they should not pay such tax.
In addition to launching the loan scheme, Mr. Byaruhanga donated Shs5 million to luggage carriers operating within the market and another Shs5 million to the Kalerwe Women Vendors SACCO.
He also pledged financial and equipment support to the Kawempe Boxing Club SACCO to help expand its gym facilities and empower youth through sports.
Among others present was Ms. Namata Justine, the chairperson of Kalerwe Women Vendors Association who thanked President Museveni for the support aimed at improving the livelihoods of ordinary Ugandans.
