ALEBTONG, June 20, 2025 –– The Moroto Women Entrepreneurs Savings and Credit Cooperative Organisation [ SACCO ] in Alebtong district is experiencing significant growth following an additional funding boost of Shs 50 million from the Microfinance Support Centre [MSC] under the Emyooga programme.
Established in 2020 with just 30 members, the SACCO has now grown to 131 registered members and boasts a capital portfolio of Shs 129 million.
According to the Chairperson, Grace Abalo, the SACCO has grown its capital through income-generating ventures and member savings.
She explained that this growth was achieved by issuing loans, collecting membership fees, and investing in income-generating assets such as tents and chairs for hire.
Abalo noted that despite the SACCO’s rapid growth, loan repayment remains a major challenge, with Shs 48 million yet to be recovered.
As part of their diversification strategy, the SACCO has recently introduced poultry farming, having procured 1,200 chicks at Shs 3,300 each. These were reared for a month and later sold at Shs 10,000 each.
“We started diversifying into projects like poultry and tent hire after receiving capacity-building support from the Microfinance Support Centre,” she said recently in an interview with this reporter.
The SACCO now comprises 18 groups and aims to evolve into a fully-fledged modern financial institution serving the broader Lango Sub-region.
“In addition to poultry farming, we have also launched agent banking services in Apala Town Council,” she added.
Access to loans, she emphasised, is strictly based on members’ savings and shareholding, in accordance with government guidelines.
Deputy Resident District Commissioner, Mathias Lutwama, praised the SACCO for its commitment to driving grassroots economic transformation. He encouraged other community groups to emulate Moroto Women Entrepreneurs SACCO’s model of accountability, equity, and sustainable development.
Launched in August 2019, the Emyooga programme seeks to transition the 68 percent of Ugandan households still reliant on subsistence livelihoods into the money economy and market-oriented production.
It targets various enterprise groups, including boda boda riders, women entrepreneurs, carpenters, salon operators, taxi drivers, restaurant owners, welders, market vendors, youth leaders, persons with disabilities, produce dealers, and mechanics.
https://thecooperator.news/low-uptake-of-emyooga-funds-reported-in-alebtong-district/
Buy your copy of thecooperator magazine from one of our country-wide vending points or an e-copy on emag.thecooperator.news
