By KT Reporter
The government has handed out motorcycles to commercial officers across Uganda to enhance their mobility and support local trade programs such as the Parish Development Model (PDM). Today, 41 motorcycles have been dispatched to all cities and municipalities, while 100 more have gone to districts.
Commercial officers are expected to use the motorcycles to monitor initiatives like Emyooga, guide cooperatives, share market information, and train locals on improving their businesses. Speaking during the handover, Fredrick Gume, Minister of State for Cooperatives, emphasized that the motorcycles are high-spec and built for long-term official use.
“These are not boda-boda motorcycles. They are strong, high-spec motorcycles that will last for many years if well maintained,” he explained, cautioning officers to avoid using them for personal errands. Commercial officers work directly with communities, advising farmers and small businesses, supervising cooperatives, and training groups on savings, financial management, and marketing.
Minister Gume said mobility is crucial for their role in implementing programs like PDM. “Commercial officers are our foot soldiers in this effort. Retooling them with motorcycles and other support is the right step forward,” he said, urging districts to fill vacant officer posts once wage bills allow.
The minister also highlighted the government’s growing support for commercial services, noting that funding for officers has risen from UGX 2.23 billion in 2019/20 to UGX 8.87 billion this year. Districts now receive about UGX 40 million, up from UGX 12 million, with 7% earmarked for motorcycle maintenance.
Since the creation of the Trade, Industry and Local Economic Development (TILED) department in 2019, commercial officers have received increased tools, training, and funding. Prior studies showed officers were underfunded, poorly linked to the ministry, and often excluded from district development plans. Government interventions, including the EPATAPSS program and the District Commercial Services Support Project, have sought to improve capacity and support.
Gabriel Atama, Chief Administrative Officer of Tororo District and chair of district CAOs, thanked the ministry for upgrading the status of commercial officers and providing motorcycles. He urged consideration for higher salaries and cars for head officers in the future.
Joseph Ssemakula, Principal Commercial Officer from Mityana Municipal Council, said the motorcycles will make officers more effective. “With good mobility, we can monitor cooperatives, supervise government programs, respond quickly to problems, and engage more with communities,” he said, adding that productivity and contribution to economic transformation would improve.
Minister Gume reminded leaders that the government aims to grow Uganda’s economy from USD 50 billion to USD 500 billion by 2040, stressing that mobilizing farmers, traders, manufacturers, and cooperatives is key. He also warned against misuse of the motorcycles. “I don’t want to find these motorcycles parked at drinking places or being ridden by unauthorized people. They must be properly maintained and used only for official work,” he said.
He emphasized that the motorcycles will support poverty reduction programs nationwide.
“Let us continue working together to build cooperatives, grow businesses, and transform our economy,” he concluded.
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