HOIMA, May 5, 2025 –– Dr. Emanuel Aliba Kiiza, Chairperson of the Board at the Microfinance Support Centre [MSC], has hailed the government’s Emyooga programme for significantly improving Uganda’s saving culture, especially among rural and informal communities.
Speaking at the annual general meeting [AGM] of the Hoima West Women Entrepreneurs Emyooga SACCO at Hoima Central Market, Kiiza noted that before the launch of Emyooga in August 2019, saving was not a common practice for many Ugandans.
He highlighted that since its inception six years ago, members of Emyooga SACCOs across the country have collectively saved Shs 87 billion. This amount was generated through the 30 percent mandatory savings requirement that members must fulfil before accessing programme funds.
“When we began implementing Emyooga, many people, including local leaders, criticised the 30 percent savings requirement. But we insisted on it, knowing that saving is not easy. It was like giving a child an injection, painful, but necessary for their well-being,” Kiiza explained.
He added that government introduced both Emyooga and the Parish Development Model [PDM] to help the active poor rise out of poverty, and encouraged those who have not joined the initiatives to do so.
“These programmes were created to integrate Ugandans into the money economy and promote socio-economic transformation. If you fail to make use of these opportunities and remain in poverty, that will be your own decision, no one else is to blame,” he said.
Kiiza also urged Emyooga SACCOs to grow to the level where they can independently access loans directly from MSC, without relying on further government disbursements.
Florance Asaba, Chairperson of the Hoima West Women Entrepreneurs Emyooga SACCO, praised the government for its support. She noted that the SACCO initially received Shs 30 million, followed by an additional Shs 40 million due to its strong performance.
She reported that to date, the SACCO has disbursed loans worth Shs 187 million to 140 members, out of a total of 420 members across six associations.
“The programme has enabled poor women to expand their businesses and embrace the culture of saving,” Asaba said.
However, she raised concerns about loan repayment. “Some members wrongly believe that the money was a gift from President Yoweri Museveni, and have refused to repay their loans. This is affecting our performance,” she said.
Alice Ayesiga, the Commercial Officer for Hoima West Division, confirmed the issue, stating, “Some members borrowed money at an annual interest rate of just 8 percent, but have refused to repay. Ironically, these same individuals often struggle to repay loans from moneylenders charging 12 percent to 20 percent monthly.”
Robert Ruhigwa, Mayor of Hoima West Division, warned SACCO members to honour their loan obligations, reminding them that the funds come from a revolving facility meant to benefit others as well.
He also urged members to invest in profitable ventures to ensure they are able to repay their loans.
Jane Kemigisa, a SACCO member from Busiisi Cell in Hoima City and a single mother, said the Emyooga programme has transformed her life. “Before joining, I couldn’t afford school fees for my children, but now I can,” she shared.
Meanwhile, another SACCO member Flavia Kimuli, who received Shs 1 million for poultry farming, said her project was devastated by disease. “I’m now struggling to repay the loan,” she said, appealing to the government for leniency towards beneficiaries facing such unforeseen challenges.
The Emyooga Programme is a presidential initiative aimed at wealth and job creation. Launched in August 2019, it forms part of the broader government strategy to transform 68 percent of households from subsistence to market-oriented production, with the ultimate goal of creating jobs and improving household incomes within specialised groups such as boda boda riders, drivers, journalists, welders, hairstylists, and plumbers, among others.
The MSC , a government agency is in charge of managing the Emyooga funds.
https://thecooperator.news/welders-emyooga-sacco-diversifies-business-to-boost-capital-base/
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