Uganda’s New Directive For Salon Worker Permits Sparks Reactions And A Push For Recognition

A new government directive requiring permits for salon workers in Uganda has sparked reactions and a push for professional recognition.

The barbershop and salon business in Uganda supports many families, yet those who work in it have long faced challenges, including being pushed out of formal employment. Now, a new government directive requiring permits for all salon workers has sparked a mix of reactions and a renewed push for professional recognition.

The controversy stems from a government directive requiring every worker in the salon industry to obtain a legal permit to practice their trade. This has forced many salon operators and their employees to navigate a difficult path, as they seek to comply with the law while protecting their livelihoods.

In response, salon owners and their staff have begun organizing across the country. Today, leaders and workers from various salons met at Namungoona, in Lubaga Division, to further deliberate on how they can improve their industry and put an end to its stigmatization. The meeting focused on finding practical solutions to uplift their profession and stop it from being looked down upon.

Meanwhile, salon operators are still waiting on a presidential promise. On December 14th of last year, President Museveni promised salon owners a gift of 85 million Ugandan shillings to be distributed through their Saccos. However, to date, these funds have not been released, leaving many frustrated as they gathered to remind the national leader of his pledge.

These salon professionals are organized under the Federation of Uganda Saloon and Beauty Professionals. The federation has bought into about 850 different Saccos across the country, where members live and work, with each Sacco expected to receive 100 million shillings. The core reason pushing them to formalize their work is the need to distance themselves from jobs that are considered degrading.

The federation’s chairperson, Clestine Kamanyire, has informed President Museveni that they have properly guided their members. She explains that each salon owner will receive at least one million shillings to reinvest into their businesses. Kamanyire believes this injection of capital will go a long way in helping lift them out of poverty.

Starting today, the federation has begun registering salon owners and asking them to buy special accounts through which they will access this money. The funds will be disbursed to them annually over a period of five years.

The women who dominate this trade have praised President Museveni for coming to their aid, noting that he has helped transform their lives. However, they also appealed to wealthier individuals to help facilitate the process so that the money can quickly reach the intended beneficiaries.

The federation also plans to tour different parts of the country, including the districts of Bundibugyo, Ankole, and Acholi regions. During these tours, they will train salon workers on how to best use the money that will be distributed through their Saccos, ensuring financial literacy and sustainable growth.