President Museveni Unveils a Major Support Plan for Salon Operators
In a move aimed at stimulating small business growth across the country, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni announced an ambitious support package for salon operators. Speaking at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds during the official launch of a national trade and services initiative, the president pledged a revolving fund totaling Shs85 billion. The initiative is designed to provide accessible capital for salon owners to expand, modernize facilities, improve service quality, and create sustainable jobs.
What the Shs85 Billion Revolving Fund Entails
The revolving fund is structured to offer convenient financing options to salon operators at affordable terms. By circulating capital back into the fund as loans are repaid, the program aims to sustain a continuous flow of funding to new and existing businesses. Key features include flexible repayment schedules, low-interest rates, and potential grant components for targeted upgrades such as sanitation improvements, safety standards, and skills training for staff.
Impact on Small Businesses
Hair salons, beauty parlors, barber shops, and related service providers form a vital part of the informal economy, especially in urban and peri-urban areas. The administration’s fund targets these operators, many of whom struggle to access traditional bank finance due to perceived risk or lack of collateral. Officials say the revolving fund will reduce financing barriers, enabling operators to purchase equipment, expand seating capacity, and invest in modern beauty technologies that attract a broader client base.
Job Creation and Economic Growth
Beyond improving individual businesses, the initiative is framed as a driver of job creation. As salons expand and upgrade, hiring scales up—from stylists and apprentices to reception staff and cleaners. The program is expected to contribute to local tax bases and stimulate ancillary services, including supply chains for beauty products and maintenance services for equipment.
How Operators Can Access the Fund
Details on eligibility criteria, application processes, and distribution channels are to be announced in the coming weeks. It is anticipated that regional offices or designated financial partners will handle outreach, with emphasis on transparent selection and monitoring to ensure funds reach legitimate salon operators, including those in underserved rural communities.
Supportive Measures and Quality Standards
Experts note that the revolving fund should be complemented by training programs, digital record-keeping, and adherence to hygiene and safety standards. The government has signaled plans to pair financing with capacity-building, helping operators implement best practices in sanitation, client care, and business management. Together, these measures aim to elevate the overall quality of service in the salon sector while safeguarding consumer trust.
Public Engagement and Next Steps
At the Kololo launch, the president underscored the government’s commitment to empowering small-scale entrepreneurs and reducing unemployment. Stakeholders across the beauty and personal care industry will be watching closely for forthcoming guidelines and the official roll-out timeline. As the fund begins to circulate, operators are encouraged to prepare business plans, upgrade facilities where possible, and participate in upcoming training sessions designed to maximize the program’s impact.
