President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has pledged that the government will inject Shs1 billion into each of the five mechanics’ SACCOs across Kampala’s divisions, totalling Shs5 billion for the city.
The President also confirmed that nearby Metropolitan Area districts, including Wakiso and Mukono, will each receive Shs1 billion under the same initiative. “We can even say Shs1 billion per division. If you say Shs5 billion for Kampala, then Wakiso Shs1 billion and Mukono Shs1 billion, that’s not too much money,” he said.
The announcement was made during a meeting with mechanics and garage operators at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds in Kampala. The engagement, which was attended by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Museveni, provided mechanics an opportunity to present sector priorities such as insurance coverage, structured representation, and access to tools and capital.
President Museveni said the funds will be made available as loans to mechanics to purchase tools, with repayment at a simple interest rate of 6 percent per annum. “You will be able to borrow Shs700,000, Shs2 million, or Shs4 million to buy tools. You borrow, you use, and pay back with a simple interest of 6 percent per annum,” he stated.
The President explained that the decision to increase funding followed a review of a recent Shs100 million allocation, which he noted was insufficient. He urged mechanics in Kampala’s five divisions to consolidate into a single SACCO for easier management of the funds.
“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, emphasising that he was speaking in his capacity as Uganda’s President, not as a candidate.
In addition, President Museveni revealed plans for the government to purchase land and establish fully equipped garages with modern equipment, breakdown services, and wheel loaders. He stressed that the facilities and equipment will remain government property and should be used to benefit all members of the sector.
“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 this equipment, it will remain in the government’s name,” he said, adding that accountability mechanisms will be put in place.
The President also called for an audit of funds previously disbursed to mechanics and garage associations in Kampala and Masaka. “I sent funding to mechanics and garage associations 10 years ago. Now I have come to demand accountability. We are here and still alive; we shall soon know who mismanaged that equipment,” he said, ordering a probe into the utilisation of the past allocations.
Furthermore, Museveni dismissed claims that the government had neglected the sector, citing prior support initiatives. He also hinted at plans for a health insurance scheme for mechanics, a dedicated fund to support women working in garages, and programs to help sex workers transition into formal employment opportunities.
