The Microfinance Support Centre (MSC) has disbursed Shs660 million in additional seed capital to 33 Emyooga Saccos in Kassanda District, providing a significant boost to small businesses and household incomes across the area.
The funding, released under the government's Emyooga programme, with each Sacco receiving Shs20 million, is intended to expand access to affordable credit, strengthen group savings and enable beneficiaries to invest more in income-generating activities.
Each Sacco received Shs20 million under the government's Emyooga programme, which supports organised groups to access affordable credit and grow their enterprises.
The funds were handed over during an event held on Thursday at Kassanda District headquarters, attended by Sacco leaders and members from Bukuya, Kassanda South and Kassanda North constituencies, alongside political leaders.
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Speaking at the event, Boaz Tuhumure, the MSC Zonal Manager for Kabarole Regional Office, said the ceremony was meant to ensure transparency and prevent misuse of the funds.
"We are here in Kasanda District to show the Emyooga beneficiaries that the programme is going forward. All the people we have invited here are benefitting circles that are receiving additional seed capital. Each Sacco will receive Shs20 million, bringing the total to Shs660 million," Tuhumure said.
He added that some Saccos had already received the money, while the rest would be credited shortly.
"Some Saccos have already received the money on their accounts, and by the close of this week or early next week all accounts will be credited. We invited the members so everyone knows the money has arrived, because in the past a few leaders would receive and withdraw it without informing the rest," he explained.
Tuhumure said the presence of leaders was deliberate, noting that they needed to be informed that the district had received the funds because they play a crucial role in monitoring and ensuring accountability.
"That is why we invited the Members of Parliament, district officials and the RDC's office so that all of us are aware that money has come to Kassanda. This will reduce mismanagement and strengthen accountability," he said.
The MP-elect for Kassanda South, Hajji Abdu Bisaso, thanked President Museveni for fulfilling his pledge.
"The President promised to add an additional Shs20 million to every well-performing Emyooga Sacco. That promise has been fulfilled today. Shs660 million has been disbursed to 33 best-performing circles in this district," Bisaso said.
He urged beneficiaries to put the money to good use.
"Those who have not received will also be supported. This money is not for government; it is your money. Use it as planned and as guided by the Microfinance Support Centre," he added.
The Assistant RDC of Kassanda, Saulo Kityo, said the funding marked a major achievement for the district.
"Today has been a very good day because we have handed over Shs660 million to the Saccos. The funds have already reached their accounts and 33 circles are now ready to work," Kityo said.
He added that Emyooga was no longer a campaign promise.
"Many people thought this was a campaign gimmick, but now it has become a reality. Every qualifying circle is supposed to receive Shs20 million every year, and over five years that can reach about Shs100 million if they perform well," he said.
Kityo said government will closely monitor the funds.
"We have involved all local leaders for joint monitoring. We are also going to form a special committee and conduct audits so that weak Saccos are supported and misuse is stopped," he noted.
One of the beneficiaries, Sulaiman Nviiri from Bukuya Emyooga Sacco, said the money will help him educate his children and grow his business.
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"We really needed this money and I am happy it has finally come. I do poultry farming besides music, and I have two children at university. With this money, I will invest more in poultry so I can pay their fees and also grow my business," Nviiri said.
The beneficiary Saccos include Bukuya County Local Leaders, Bukuya County Market Vendors, Bukuya County Performing Artists, Bukuya County PWDs, Bukuya County Produce Dealers, Bukuya County Restaurant Owners, Bukuya County Salon Operators and Bukuya County Welders.
Others are Kassanda South Salon Operators, Kassanda South Produce Dealers, Kassanda South Carpenters, Kassanda South Boda Boda Riders, Kassanda South Performing Artists, Kassanda South Journalists and Kassanda South Veterans.
From Kassanda North, the beneficiaries include Boda Boda Riders, Carpenters, Fishermen, Journalists, Market Vendors, Mechanics, Produce Dealers, Restaurant Owners, Salon Operators, Tailors, Veterans, Women Entrepreneurs, Youth Leaders, Producers, Local Leaders and Performing Artists.
