HOIMA, December 9, 2025 — Leaders in Hoima District Local Government have raised concern over the poor recovery of loans disbursed to beneficiaries under the Emyooga Programme, a government initiative for wealth and job creation.
Uthuman Mubarak Mugisa, the Hoima District LCV Chairperson, revealed that the district had disbursed Shs 2,079,158,000 to 36 Emyooga SACCOs. However, only Shs 701,784,300 has so far been recovered.
He said the slow recovery rate is undermining the effectiveness of the programme, as it limits access for other intended beneficiaries due to a lack of available funds.
According to the government, Emyooga revolving fund is intended to provide seed capital to beneficiaries, who are expected to invest it and repay so others can also benefit.
Mugisa attributed the low recovery rate to mismanagement, revealing that some beneficiaries failed to use the funds as initially proposed.
“We discovered that some beneficiaries, for example, presented a business proposal of Shs 2 million before receiving the money, but after disbursement they decided to invest Shs 3 or 5 million in different ventures and used the rest on non-profitable activities,” he said.
Speaking during the district’s budget conference for the 2026/2027 financial year, held at Kasingo District Headquarters in Hoima City on Friday, Mugisa urged district leaders and technical staff to intensify efforts to recover the outstanding funds.
Report on PDM
Mugisa noted that another government initiative, the Parish Development Model [PDM] is performing well in the district. Since the inception of the programme in 2021, Mugisa said the district has received Shs 16.896 billion, benefiting 14,749 people engaged in enterprises such as piggery, poultry, coffee and cocoa growing.
However, he stressed the need for continued sensitisation to ensure beneficiaries use the funds effectively so that they can transition from subsistence to a money-based economy.
Hoima District Production and Marketing Officer, Dr Charles Kajura, highlighted the need to improve agricultural production and market access by increasing the use of fertilisers and enhancing post-harvest handling.
He added that the district has established Practical Training Centres [PTCs] to equip PDM beneficiaries with hands-on skills in their respective enterprises. The trainings were initiated after it was discovered that many beneficiaries lacked financial management skills during the first phase of implementation.
“We are going to enhance fertiliser use among our farmers to boost production and ensure that those who received PDM funds fully benefit from the government’s support,” he said.
Ericka Rwakabale, the Publicity Secretary of the Hoima East Boda Boda Riders Emyooga SACCO, said some members saved the mandatory 30 percent and accessed loans but later stopped saving and refused to repay the money.
He added that some beneficiaries wrongly assumed the funds were political rewards for voting certain individuals into power, a perception that has complicated recovery efforts.
https://thecooperator.news/masindi-municipality-names-best-and-worst-performing-emyooga-saccos/
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