NEBBI, October 20, 2025 — The West Nile-based North Region SACCO for Youth has received an additional Shs 100 million in funding to expand its support for youth-led agribusiness initiatives. The new injection of capital, provided through the Sustainable Capacity Development for Agribusiness [SCADU] project, comes courtesy of the Korea International Cooperation Agency [KOICA] and the Korea Agribusiness and Food Investment Corporation [K-ABIC].
This latest funding marks a significant milestone in the ongoing effort to empower young Ugandans with the financial tools and institutional backing they need to thrive in the agricultural sector.
A Strategic shift towards sustainability
The SCADU project, a five-year initiative, was originally designed to offer grants of up to Shs 36 million to support agribusiness development among Uganda’s youth. However, early implementation revealed that the grant-based model had limitations. Many young entrepreneurs struggled to meet the criteria or navigate the processes required to access the funds, thereby limiting the programme’s overall impact.
Recognising these challenges, SCADU adopted a more sustainable model by integrating Savings and Credit Cooperative Organisations [SACCOs] into the initiative. This shift has allowed for broader and more equitable outreach, with four regional SACCOs established across the country to better serve local communities.
“The SACCO model allows us to provide tailored financial services to young people where they are, and in ways that work for them,” said Rogers Dima, System Administrator for the Northern Region. “This funding will enable us to scale our support, especially in underserved areas like West Nile.”
Supporting youth through accessible financial services
The North Region SACCO for Youth, specifically designed to serve young entrepreneurs in Northern Uganda, offers low-interest loans and inclusive financial services to help them launch or expand agribusiness ventures.
To further increase accessibility, the SACCO has introduced the MG mobile application, a digital platform that enables members to save, withdraw, and apply for loans remotely.
“In this digital era, convenience is key,” noted Dima. “With the MG app, young farmers and entrepreneurs no longer need to travel long distances or navigate cumbersome paperwork to access their funds. It’s a game-changer for financial inclusion.”
Ensuring viability and sustainability
On 19 October 19th , the SACCO’s board held a meeting in Gulu to assess the viability of the businesses proposed by prospective beneficiaries. The review process is part of a broader effort to ensure that loan recipients not only receive the necessary support but are also well-positioned to repay their loans and sustain their enterprises.
“The aim is not just to disburse loans, but to create viable, long-term agribusinesses that contribute to community development,” explained Florence Akello, a Board Member and youth agribusiness mentor. “We’re building a culture of responsibility and entrepreneurship.”
Measurable impact and a promising Future
To date, the SACCO has supported eight young entrepreneurs, including three from the historically underrepresented West Nile sub-region. With the new funding in place, many more are expected to benefit in the coming months.
“This initiative has opened doors I never thought possible,” shared Patience Aluma, a beneficiary from Arua. “With the loan I received, I’ve expanded my poultry business and even hired two other youth. It’s not just about me anymore—it’s about lifting each other up.”
The combined approach of accessible financing, digital tools, and community-based support systems is laying the foundation for a new era of agribusiness in Uganda.
Beyond Funding: Creating a movement
More than just a financial initiative, the North Region SACCO for Youth is becoming a cornerstone of youth empowerment and economic transformation in Northern Uganda. With continued backing from SCADU, KOICA, and K-ABIC, the SACCO is creating a ripple effect, fostering job creation, innovation, and food security.
“This is about more than money,” concluded Dima. “It’s about building a future where young people can thrive in agriculture, drive change in their communities, and take ownership of their economic destinies.”
As Uganda seeks to harness the potential of its youthful population, initiatives like this offer a compelling model for sustainable development—one that empowers, includes, and delivers lasting impact.
https://thecooperator.news/nebbi-farmers-decry-limited-support-from-field-extension-workers/
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