Enhancing livelihoods: Gov’t injects Shs 450mln into Karamoja SACCOs
KATIDO, April 1, 2025 — Government, through the Microfinance Department under the Finance Ministry, has injected Shs 450 million into nine Savings and Credit Cooperative Organisations [SACCOs] formed by reformed warriors, locally known as Karachuna. This initiative aims to promote financial inclusion, foster economic empowerment, and enhance the livelihoods of the Karachuna in Karamoja region.
The disbursement of the funds was officiated by the Minister of Finance, Matia Kasaija who underscored the government’s commitment to supporting reformed warriors transitioning from a history of conflict to sustainable livelihoods.
Strategic financial support to reformed warriors
The government’s financial boost is part of a broader initiative to integrate the Karachuna into mainstream economic activities. Each SACCO, comprising 30 members, will receive Shs 50 million to facilitate their transition into agricultural as well as other ventures.
The list of beneficiary SACCOs: Moroto District Karachuna Peace Champion SACCO;
Napak District Karachuna Peace Champion SACCO; Nabilatuk District Karachuna SACCO; Nakapiripirit Karachuna Development SACCO
Others are Amudat District Karachuna Peace Champion SACCO; Karenga Karachuna Peace SACCO; Ngarwanta Ka-Ekisil Kaabong SACCO; Kotido Karachuna Peace Champion SACCO; and Okelokok Thur SACCO in Abim district.
According to Dr. Emmanuel Kiiza Aliba, Board Chairman of the Microfinance Support Centre [MSC], only SACCOs that met stringent requirements—such as official registration and adherence to cooperative bylaws—qualified for the funding.
“This is a significant step towards achieving the government’s goal of increasing access to financial services for all citizens. The initiative is intended to promote financial inclusion and economic growth by providing affordable credit to the beneficiaries,” Aliba explained.
Transforming the Karachuna through economic empowerment
Aliba emphasised that government has since 2023, been supporting organised SACCOs with startup capital to bridge the financial inclusion gap in rural areas. He urged beneficiaries to use the funds responsibly, as they are meant to serve as a revolving fund to sustain long-term economic activities.
Gabriel Longoli Riamaluk, a member of Ngarwanta Ka-Ekisil Kaabong SACCO, expressed appreciation for the financial boost, noting that government interventions have transformed the lives of the Karachuna.
“The lives of Karachuna have changed compared to when they were in the bush. We can now educate our children, engage in farming, and have completely abandoned cattle rustling,” Longoli remarked. However, he called on the government to provide additional support, such as agricultural machinery like tractors, to facilitate large-scale farming.
Responsible utilisation of funds: A call for accountability
Joseph Nakwang Tata, a beneficiary from Nakapelimoru in Kotido District, emphasized the importance of using the funds wisely. He urged his fellow Karachuna to invest in sustainable income-generating activities such as businesses and agriculture, rather than engaging in wasteful expenditures.
“We have been given an opportunity to rebuild our lives and secure a future for our families. We should not waste this money on luxuries but instead use it to establish businesses, grow crops, and create a sustainable source of income,” Nakwang advised.
Government’s broader commitment to Karamoja’s development
Kotido Resident District Commissioner, Charles Ichogor, reaffirmed the government’s dedication to empowering reformed warriors. He encouraged the beneficiaries to embrace other government economic programs, such as the Parish Development Model [PDM], Emyooga, and the GROW project, which aim to uplift communities from poverty.
“The government is committed to seeing Karamoja transition from dependency to economic self-sufficiency. This funding is a major step, but the Karachuna must take advantage of all available programs to ensure long-term development,” Ichogor emphasised.
Minister Kasaija’s advice to the beneficiaries
Matia Kasaija commended the Karachuna for denouncing cattle rustling and voluntarily surrendering illegal firearms. He reiterated that the government is keen on rehabilitating and integrating them into productive economic activities.
He warned the beneficiaries against misusing the funds on non-essential expenditures, such as purchasing expensive smartphones, motorcycles, and multiple wives. Instead, he urged them to focus on investments that would uplift their families and communities.
“This money is not for buying Boda Bodas, smartphones, or taking multiple wives. It is meant to help you establish a stable future. Learn the culture of saving and reinvesting. Many people remain poor due to unplanned spending,” the minister cautioned.
Ensuring sustainability of economic empowerment programmes
As the government continues rolling out economic empowerment initiatives, the success of this programme will largely depend on how well the beneficiaries manage and utilise the funds. Properly managed SACCOs have the potential to drive economic transformation, foster self-reliance, and contribute to long-term peace and stability in Karamoja.
This financial injection serves as a stepping stone for the Karachuna to fully integrate into mainstream economic activities, creating an opportunity for long-term prosperity and community development in the region.
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