The Mbale United Bouncers Association (MUBA) has received a major boost after the government, through the Microfinance Support Centre (MSC), donated gym equipment worth Sh20 million to support their efforts to diversify income and strengthen professionalism in the bouncer industry.
The equipment, which includes two treadmills and two commercial spinning bikes, is expected to help the association establish a gym that will serve both its members and the wider public.
According to MSC, the initiative is part of the government’s broader plan to improve financial inclusion among groups that have traditionally been excluded from formal credit channels. Bouncers, like many informal sector workers, often face challenges in accessing finance due to unstable incomes and limited collateral. By offering them income-generating tools rather than cash, MSC aims to empower them to create sustainable businesses while also improving their work standards.
MSC’s Eastern Regional Manager, Francis Elwoku, handed over the equipment and encouraged the bouncers to embrace discipline and accountability. He advised the group to protect the equipment, ensure proper maintenance, and keep clear records of income earned from public access to the gym.
“Support your leadership, save what you earn, and ensure transparency in all your operations. Continued support depends on proper management,” Elwoku said. He added that government funding is intended to uplift communities, and beneficiaries must demonstrate responsibility to attract more support in the future.
The President of the Uganda National Bouncers Federation, Umar Bulega, welcomed the government’s gesture, saying it reflects growing recognition of the important role bouncers play in the security and entertainment sectors. He noted that bouncers are often the first line of safety in public spaces such as clubs, concerts, and events, yet their welfare and professional growth are frequently overlooked.
Bulega said the equipment will help modernize the association’s activities, boost physical fitness among members, and create an avenue for additional income. “This support will help professionalize our operations and empower us to engage more positively with our communities,” he said. He urged bouncers to maintain discipline, uphold high standards of professionalism, and explore new business opportunities around the gym.
Mbale City MP aspirant Hudu Hussein also encouraged the group to view the donation as the beginning of a bigger journey into entrepreneurship. He challenged them to think beyond the traditional role of providing security at entertainment venues and instead embrace diversified income streams. Hussein noted that with proper management and marketing, the gym could grow into a fully fledged fitness center offering a range of services such as personal training, aerobics, and wellness programs—benefitting both the association and the wider community. He reminded the youth that opportunities often come disguised as small beginnings, and it is up to them to build on what they have been given.
Deputy Resident City Commissioner (RCC), Yahaya Were, echoed these sentiments and emphasized the importance of teamwork and innovation in managing the new venture. He urged MUBA members to work closely with their leaders, remain united, and focus on long-term goals rather than quick gains. Were said that the government’s support is intended to build wealth at the grassroots and contribute to peace and social transformation. “If you work together and manage this well, you can create jobs, improve your livelihoods, and contribute meaningfully to this city,” he said.
The support to MUBA is part of a dual empowerment initiative in Mbale City, where MSC also provided financial assistance to former sex workers to help them start decent businesses. By targeting these two groups—both of which are often marginalized and excluded from mainstream financing—the government is taking deliberate steps to address unemployment, enhance community safety, and promote social transformation. The initiatives reflect a growing commitment to building inclusive economic opportunities and giving vulnerable groups a chance to build better lives for themselves and their families.
