Politics
Salonists pledge to mobilise six million votes for Museveni
They declared their support on Sunday, December 14, 2025, at Kololo Independence Grounds during a meeting between President Museveni and members of the Federation of Uganda Salons and Beauty Professionals.
Salonists pledge to mobilise six million votes for Museveni
By: Dedan Kimathi, Journalists @New Vision
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With a month left to the January 15, 2026, General Election, salonists, including hairstylists and cosmetologists across the country, say they have thrown their weight behind incumbent President Yoweri Museveni.
They declared their support on Sunday, December 14, 2025, at Kololo Independence Grounds during a meeting between President Museveni and members of the Federation of Uganda Salons and Beauty Professionals.
The federation, which is headed by Celestine Kamanyire, brings together 42,500 salonists and sewers across the country.
“As we leave this venue, these people came here on their own and dedicated this day to you, Mzee. We are going to the ground to mobilise votes for you. We have registered 2.13 million salonists. But we may be around four million. Each person is going to return to their salon and mobilise ten others. We are going to mobilise six million voters so that we can win this election,” Kamanyire said.
Most importantly, he contended that the majority of salons across the country are owned by women, of which, many support President Museveni for his good economic policies, which has seen many local companies, including Wandaz Products Limited, making personal and home care products, reduce the negative balance of payment and provide a market for locally produced agricultural goods.
“We produce essential oils from our agricultural products, which we then use in cosmetics for hair care. It is no longer about importation; we are working to reduce the importation of cosmetics. We operate in 141 districts, and if you look at salons, you will find each employs about six people, with women making up the majority…” he said.
His remarks capped a rainy but eventful afternoon, which saw President Museveni promise to extend support to hairstylists' savings and credit co-operative societies scattered across the country.
Museveni arrived at about 1:49 pm to the blaring sounds of the ‘Tubonga Nawe’ anthem. From the gate, in what felt like a victory lap, he was cheered on by a sea of yellow-clad supporters all the way to the podium.
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More photos from President Museveni's meeting with salonists
