Masindi Municipality names best and worst performing Emyooga SACCOs

MASINDI, December 4, 2025 —Authorities in Masindi Municipality have revealed the best and worst performing Emyooga Savings and Credit Cooperative Organisations [SACCOs] based on loan disbursement and recovery rates.

According to Robinah Nyangoma, the Commercial Officer for Masindi Municipality, the top performing Emyooga SACCOs include:  Women Entrepreneurs, Masindi Journalists Emyooga SACCO, Veterans’ SACCO, Produce Dealers SACCO, Fishermen SACCO, Restaurant Owners SACCO, Market Vendors SACCO, Tailors SACCO, Local Leaders SACCO among others.

On the other hand, Nyangoma who doubles as the Focal Person for the Emyooga Programme in Masindi Municipality highlighted the worst performing SACCOs as: Welders SACCO, People with Disabilities [PWDs SACCO], Taxi Operators SACCO, Boda-Boda SACCO, and the Youth Leaders SACCO

The revelation was made during the recent launch of the Bunyoro Sub-region Emyooga Missionaries Team at Masindi Booma Grounds . The group is mobilising local support for President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni in the 2026 presidential election.

During her address, Nyangoma explained that Masindi Municipality received seed capital amounting to Shs 860 million. The cumulative members’ savings stand at Shs 385mln, with loan recovery recorded at Shs 624mln and loans disbursed totaling Shs 1.5 billion, leaving an outstanding loan balance of Shs 955mln.

“Loan recovery performance is currently at 40 percent, and we have a total of 1,390 beneficiaries. However, a significant challenge we face is the low recovery rate, which adversely affects the performance and access for those who have not yet borrowed. Additionally, internal conflicts in management have been detrimental,” said Nyangoma.

Hundreds of Emyooga programme beneficiaries from various districts in Bunyoro gathered to express their support for President Museveni in the upcoming 2026 presidential elections.

Florence Asaba, Chairperson of the Hoima West Entrepreneurs Emyooga SACCO emphasised the importance of this unity.

“As beneficiaries, we have come together to thank the President for initiating this program that improves household incomes. The best way to show our gratitude is to rally votes for him. We are committed to mobilising support throughout the entire region,” Asaba stated, adding that they would also review the areas where the program has not performed well.

Asaba condemned individuals who misused the funds allocated by the programme, stating, “We are no longer poor; many of us have purchased vehicles and motorcycles, and we have organised ourselves because we are financially empowered. We are prepared to welcome the President to Bunyoro in December.”

Cleophas Isingoma, chairperson of the Masindi Municipality Tailors Emyooga SACCO, echoed the sentiment of gratitude towards President Museveni for his governance and financial empowerment initiatives, which have significantly improved their livelihoods.

Benjamin Ochim, Secretary of the Masindi Municipality Carpenters Emyooga SACCO, highlighted that numerous job opportunities have been created for the youth, particularly females, as a result of the program’s success.

Margaret Birungi, a beneficiary from the Masindi Women Entrepreneurs Emyooga SACCO, shared her experience, stating that their group received Shs 30mln, which they invested in their small businesses.

“Some members have built homes and are now able to pay for university education. We have even started sugar cane farming and are doing well. We are no longer dependent on handouts; our focus now is on securing votes for Museveni,” she remarked.

Justine Bitamale from the Masindi Municipality Market Vendors Emyooga SACCO shared similar success stories, revealing that their group received Shs 4mln, which they used for poultry and goat rearing, as well as livestock farming.

Kabakumba Labwoni Masiko, chairperson of the National Resistance Movement in Masindi, commended the efforts of the Emyooga beneficiaries for creating a regional network.

She encouraged them to form a regional SACCO for Emyooga beneficiaries, which could be launched by the President during his visit to the region.

“I urge you to stay united. Do not underestimate your collective strength. If you can achieve this without external support, imagine what you could accomplish with it. Organize yourselves into a SACCO for beneficiaries, and we will support you,” Kabakumba noted.

During the event, Darius Nandinda, the Resident District Commissioner for Masindi, lauded the Emyooga beneficiaries for their solidarity in seeking support for Museveni.

He noted that the government programmes, led by President Museveni, aim to uplift ordinary citizens. Nandinda acknowledged that challenges exist, particularly with technocrats disrupting effective implementation.

Emyooga is a Presidential Initiative on Wealth and Job Creation launched in 2019. In the Bunyoro Sub-region, it was officially inaugurated in July 2020.

The initiative targets 19 clusters of enterprises, including boda-boda riders, salon owners, carpenters, taxi operators, welders, market vendors, journalists, performing artists, and mechanics, among others.

Under the programme each enterprise group with a minimum of 30 members is eligible to receive up to Shs 30mln in funding as a revolving fund to boost income-generating ventures. However local leaders SACCOs receive Shs 50mln under the same programme.

https://thecooperator.news/masindi-soybean-farmers-form-cooperative-for-economic-empowerment/

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