Uganda: Kampala Sacco Leaders Warned Against Misusing Youth Start-Up Funds

Kampala Resident City Commissioner (RCC) Umalu Lule Mawuya has cautioned leaders of SACCOs formed under the Presidential Initiative on Skilling the Girl and Boy Child against mismanaging funds meant to help trained youths start income-generating projects.

Speaking during a meeting with skilled youths from the five Kampala divisions at Mulago, Lule reminded SACCO chairpersons that the money allocated to their groups must be protected and used strictly for its intended purpose.

"Do not be tempted to misuse or divert SACCO funds," Lule warned. "If anyone is caught mismanaging these resources, they will face the law."

RCC Lule further revealed that he had already briefed President Museveni about increasing funding to youth SACCOs after the elections to enable more beneficiaries to benefit.

A large number of youths attended the gathering, seeking clarification on the shs50 million that President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni had promised to each SACCO. The funds is ready reflected on their accounts in Kawempe, Central, Nakawa, and Makindye divisions.

Dr. Mirembe Faith Katana, head of the Presidential Initiative on Skilling the Girl and Boy Child Project, confirmed that the money had already been released.

"The funds reached, but we first needed to train the beneficiaries on how they will access and utilize this money responsibly," Dr. Mirembe explained. She encouraged the youth to make good use of the funds so that the entire project can succeed.

The private Secretary for education and skilling for president James Nambiro, also emphasized the government's intention to empower young people through skills and start-up support.

"The President decided to guide the youth by giving them hands-on skills and later providing start-up capital through their SACCOs," Nambiro said.

Meanwhile, the youths who attended the meeting expressed gratitude to the President for thinking about their welfare and supporting their desire to prosper.

"We thank President Museveni for remembering us and giving us a chance to grow," some of the youths said.

Read the original article on Nile Post.