Lira Tailors’ Emyooga SACCO registers steady progress amid few challenges
The SACCO started with 56 members and initial capital of Shs 6 million raised internally
LIRA CITY, January 13, 2026 — Lira Municipality Tailors Emyooga Savings and Credit Cooperative Society [SACCO], based in Barogole Ward, Lira City, has recorded steady progress since its establishment in 202, despite encountering a few challenges, leaders say.
Despite initial challenges, the SACCO has evolved into a reliable source of affordable credit for its more than 150 members engaged in various business activities.
The SACCO started with 56 members and initial capital of Shs 6 million raised internally. It was formed under the Emyooga programme, a government initiative championed by President Yoweri Museveni to promote job and wealth creation among organised groups such as artists, welders, taxi drivers, journalists, restaurant owners, mechanics and plumbers, among others.
Initially, Lira Municipality Tailors Emyooga SACCO comprised 17 associations. However, it currently has nine active associations, including Sharonica Tailors Association, Atek Ilwak Association, Tik Ngokeli Association, New Lira Main Market Association, Bazar East Association, Joint Christian Tailoring Association, Bazar East B Association, Lira Taxi Park Association, and Lira Main Market and Textile Associations.
To strengthen its operations, the SACCO received seed capital of Shs 50 million from the government through the Microfinance Support Centre [MSC], significantly boosting its lending capacity.
The SACCO offers loans at an interest rate of eight per cent over a six-month period. According to Aroko Robina, the team leader of the loan committee, the institution has continued to grow steadily.
Currently, the SACCO provides loans of up to Shs 25mln strictly to its members.
“I am very happy to note that the repayment schedule is favourable to clients and is progressing smoothly,” Aroko said. She added that if the positive trend continues, the SACCO plans to launch a joint business venture involving all member associations within Lira City by 2026.
The Chairperson, Sharon Ekit, said the SACCO’s low interest rates and quick access to credit have attracted many members. She revealed that the SACCO currently has savings worth Shs 21mln, shares valued at Shs 2mln, and a loan portfolio totalling Shs 165mln.
“We have members accessing loans of over Shs 10mln, which shows that our interest rates are very attractive,” Ekit said, noting that commercial banks charge interest rates ranging between 18 and 25 percent.
Aroko observed that money lenders charge interest of up to 25 percent per month, while banks have lengthy and costly procedures.
“Our interest rates are very low. They are meant to help members grow their businesses and repay with minimal strain,” she said, adding that unlike money lenders, the SACCO does not treat members harshly when they face repayment challenges.
Achievements
The SACCO has established a tailoring training centre equipped with more than 100 sewing machines, up from just five at its inception. The centre trains over 500 youths annually, both male and female, equipping them with practical tailoring skills.
Aroko said the initiative has improved the livelihoods of many tailors, enabling them to stock materials, expand their shops, and produce a wider variety of garments for sale.
“The SACCO has also promoted financial literacy among tailors, many of whom previously lacked basic money management skills,” she said.
Challenges
Despite its progress, the SACCO continues to face challenges, particularly a negative mindset among some beneficiaries. Aroko explained that due to limited sensitisation at the start of the programme, some people misunderstood Emyooga funds as government handouts.
“Some members believe that since the NRM government is still in power, they can repay the money whenever they want,” she said, describing this as a major obstacle to progress.
She added that loan default remains a challenge, but the SACCO is addressing the issue by working closely with Local Council I chairpersons to enforce repayment.
Bonny Okello Alele, the Assistant City Commissioner, praised the SACCO for its outstanding performance, saying it is not only excelling in the Lango Sub-region but also ranks among the best-performing SACCOs in the country.
He attributed this success to strong leadership, transparency and accountability, noting that the SACCO’s leaders ensured government seed capital was used strictly for its intended purpose.
“One important thing about this SACCO is its leadership. They are committed, non-corrupt, honest, and they understand the value of money in service,” Okello said.
He explained that while many SACCOs distribute government funds among members without productive investment, Lira Municipality Tailors Emyooga SACCO chose a different path by adding value to the resources it received.
Okello encouraged the public to respect and protect public funds, noting that this principle is key to the SACCO’s continued growth and success.
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