The government, through the Microfinance Support Centre (MSC), has delivered gym equipment worth Shs 20 million to the Mbale United Bouncers Association (MUBA), supporting their efforts to improve physical fitness and create alternative income streams.
The grant is part of MSC’s nationwide programme aimed at empowering bouncers with tools that enhance both their professional performance and economic wellbeing. During the handover ceremony on Wednesday, the MSC team presented four gym machines, including two treadmills and two commercial spinning bikes, in the presence of government officials, the President of the Uganda National Bouncers Federation, and local bouncers.
The equipment is expected to benefit not only the bouncers but also the wider community for a fee, enabling the association to generate additional income.
Francis Elwoku, MSC Regional Manager for Eastern Uganda, urged members to use the equipment responsibly and emphasised discipline and accountability.
“Mbale United Bouncers Association, the Microfinance Support Centre is giving you a grant of 20 million today in the form of machines. These machines are supposed to benefit all members of the association. Whatever income you generate, ensure you create a suitable space for them and start earning revenue,” he said.
He stressed that cooperation, discipline, respect and a strong saving culture are fundamental to the growth of any association.
“Work with your president and leadership to manage the machines carefully. Be disciplined and transparent so all members can see the benefits and the accountability is clear,” Elwoku added.
He further encouraged bouncers to take saving seriously and avoid poor financial habits.
“Please save whatever little you get. Even if it’s 10,000 a day, save something. Your work is hard and often done at night in challenging environments like bars and supermarkets. Don’t misuse your earnings,” he advised.
Elwoku reiterated that MSC’s continued support depends on proper management of resources.
“The Microfinance Support Centre will continue supporting you when you show you can manage funds well. Poor record-keeping or lack of accountability makes it difficult for us to continue supporting the association,” he said.
Mbale City MP aspirant Hudu Hussein urged the bouncers to use the equipment to improve their livelihoods and diversify their income sources.
“Equipment worth 20 million has been given to the Mbale United Bouncers Association. This gym will help you start an income-generating activity and open doors to new opportunities. You cannot survive on salary alone—you need something that earns you daily or weekly,” he said.
He encouraged the bouncers to prepare for the future by cultivating good financial habits.
“Take this support seriously and ensure that whatever you get, you save. This is the only way we can get out of poverty. The government and MSC will continue supporting you as long as you keep growing,” Hussein added.
MSC Products and Marketing Officer, Jastine Khalayi, also advised members to embrace a saving culture.
“As MSC, we give you starter capital, so I encourage you to save. Leaders, ensure your members develop a saving culture because MSC won’t extend further support when there are no savings. Be transparent, patient and avoid internal conflicts,” she said.
Mbale City Deputy RCC, Yahaya Were, urged the bouncers to aim for transformation.
“Change the way you think if you want to become wealthy. Don’t just sit in bars and bounce people; engage in other income-generating activities. Learn to save and ensure the money collected from these machines benefits everyone,” he said.
Umar Bulega, President of the Uganda National Bouncers Federation, thanked the government for recognising bouncers in national development programmes.
“I want to thank President Museveni and the Microfinance Support Centre for believing in us and including us in government programmes. I urge bouncers to protect this progress,” he said.
Latif Magomu, President of the Mbale United Bouncers Association, welcomed the grant, noting that it would improve income generation and highlight the challenges bouncers face.
“This grant will boost our income and strengthen our association. We thank President Museveni for recognising the hardship we face in our work,” he said.
MSC has previously supported bouncer groups in Jinja and Kamuli with similar packages. In Mbale, the One Stop Bouncers Association also received Shs 20 million, which they used to rent a gym space, significantly improving members’ livelihoods.
The initiative is part of government efforts to tap into the potential of Uganda’s youth—especially those in informal sectors like bouncing—and guide them toward productive, sustainable economic activities. At a time of high youth unemployment, such programmes offer pathways for income generation, skills development and long-term financial stability.