ALEBTONG, April 2, 2025 – Several Emyooga SACCOs are struggling with seed capital provided by the government five years ago. According to SACCO leaders in the district, many of the targeted beneficiaries are not interested in borrowing the money to improve their livelihoods.
The Government Chief Whip, Denis Hamson Obua, also confirmed days ago the locals’ lack of interest in absorbing the funds meant to enhance wealth and create jobs within the community, as was envisioned by the government during the launch of the Emyooga Programme in August 2019.
He stated that the government has so far disbursed Shs 1.23 billion to Alebtong district under Emyooga, a programme that targets 18 specialised categories of Ugandans, such as welders, plumbers, boda boda riders, restaurant owners, salonists, carpenters, mechanics, among others.
Obua added that the Ajuri County Carpentry Emyooga SACCO has been urging groups to register with it to access funds, but to no avail.
However, Obua, who represents Ojuri County in the Ugandan Parliament, mentioned that Alebtong district currently has 36 groups that received Shs 30 million each under the Emyooga Programme.
“There are 36 groups supported under Emyooga with seed capital of Shs 30 million, but they misused the funds, and now they are unable to progress to the next level. Even political leaders received Shs 50 million in seed capital for their SACCO, but this was also misused,” he said.
He advised those who received the funds under the programme to use them effectively so they can repay the loans and qualify for additional seed capital of Shs 20 million. “Money is not the issue now. The challenge is how to use it effectively to lift oneself out of poverty,” he added.
The Member of Parliament [MP] also highlighted other government programmes, such as the Parish Development Model [PDM], Youth Livelihood Programme [YLP], and Uganda Women’s Entrepreneurship Programme [UWEP], urging more locals in Alebtong district to become engaged with these programmes so they can benefit.
However, Obua noted that there has been poor enterprise selection under the PDM in Alebtong district and guided the programme’s technical team to assist beneficiaries in selecting enterprises such as pig farming, poultry keeping, fish farming, dairy farming, banana growing, and coffee growing, among others.
The Alebtong District Commercial Officer, Bob Oluk, urged PDM beneficiaries to select enterprises such as piggery, poultry, and goat rearing, explaining that these are not only easy to manage but also highly lucrative.
On her part, the Alebtong District Woman MP, Dorcas Acen, called upon women in the district to embrace the Generating Growth Opportunities and Productivity for Women Enterprises [GROW] project, which aims to provide businesswomen with easier access to entrepreneurial services.
https://thecooperator.news/follow-pdm-guidelines-alebtong-rdc-urges-parish-chiefs/
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