At Kololo today, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni officiated the launch of the Federation of Uganda Salon Operators and Beauty Professionals (FUSPro).
President Museveni congratulated them for the important service they provide, especially as our society urbanises and people become busier. He reminded them that Africans were once made to despise their own beauty, but that mindset was defeated and today we proudly define and celebrate our own identity.
President Museveni pledged government support through a revolving fund for salon operators, implemented via SACCOs. With about 850 SACCOs, allocating Shs100 million per SACCO would amount to Shs85 billion annually. Like PDM, this money will be borrowed by the members, used productively and repaid with minimal interest. Given the nature of salon businesses, shorter repayment periods can be applied.
He welcomed the development of locally made beauty products by salon operators, describing the move as a positive step towards self-reliance.
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 across the country, he said the total support would amount to approximately Shs85 billion per year.
“The revolving fund model has worked under the Parish Development Model,” the President said, explaining that beneficiaries borrow the money, invest it productively, and repay it with minimal interest.
He added that salon operators have a different business model from crop farmers under PDM, suggesting 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, noting that many leaders often overlook the poor.
He also commended Gen. Salim Saleh and Operation Wealth Creation, saying his office was among the first to engage with and support salon operators. However, Rt. Hon. Tayebwa observed that although funds for groups such as salon operators are often provided for in the national budget, they are sometimes not released by responsible institutions, particularly the Microfinance Support Centre.
Minister of State for Youth and Children Affairs, Hon. Balaam Barugahara, said the informal sector extends beyond salon operators to include tailors, artisans and other small-scale entrepreneurs across the country. He urged the youth to continue supporting President Museveni, saying his leadership remains critical 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 the organisation a clear operational mandate, 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 industry.
