KAMPALA — President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has said colonialism deliberately undermined African identity and beauty, forcing Africans to believe they were inferior and had to imitate Europeans, a mindset he said has since been defeated.
“Africans were made to believe they were not beautiful and had to imitate Europeans,” President Museveni said, adding that Africans have now reclaimed and asserted their own beauty, which is appreciated in its diversity, particularly in the Great Lakes region.
The President made the remarks on Thursday at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds while officiating at the launch of the Federation of Uganda Salon Operators and Beauty Professionals, where he also announced a major financial boost for the sector.
President Museveni pledged a Shs85 billion revolving fund to support salon operators across the country, describing the industry as an important contributor to Uganda’s economy and social life.
He congratulated salon operators for the vital services they provide, noting that their role has become even more significant as urbanisation increases and people become busier.
The President welcomed the fact that salon operators are now developing and defining their own beauty products, describing the move as a step towards self-reliance and economic empowerment.
On financing, President Museveni explained that government support would be channelled through a revolving fund, with Shs100 million allocated annually to each SACCO. With about 850 SACCOs nationwide, he said this would amount to approximately Shs85 billion per year.
He said the revolving fund model has proven effective under the Parish Development Model (PDM), where beneficiaries borrow money, use it productively, and repay it with minimal interest.
The President noted that salon operators have a unique business model compared to crop farmers under PDM and proposed a shorter repayment period.
“Instead of two years, salon operators can take the money for one year, use it and return it with a small interest,” he said.
The Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa thanked the President for consistently supporting ordinary Ugandans, observing that many leaders often overlook the poor. He also commended Gen. Salim Saleh and Operation Wealth Creation, noting that his office was among the first to engage and support salon operators.
However, Rt. Hon. Tayebwa pointed out that although funds for the salon industry and other groups are often provided for in the national budget, they are sometimes not released by responsible institutions, particularly the Microfinance Support Centre.
The Minister of State for Youth and Children Affairs, Hon. Balaam Barugahara, said the informal sector goes beyond salon operators to include tailors, artisans and other small-scale entrepreneurs across the country. He urged young people to continue supporting President Museveni, saying his leadership remains key to lifting Ugandans out of poverty.
The Chairperson of the Federation of Uganda Salon Operators and Beauty Professionals, Mr Kamanyire Celestine, thanked the President for prioritising grassroots entrepreneurs. He asked the President to formally launch the federation’s 850 SACCOs, grant it a clear mandate to operate, and ensure financial support of at least Shs100 million per SACCO, noting that each SACCO has more than 50 members.
He also appealed for the establishment of a common user facility to support the growth of the beauty and salon industry nationwide.
