Butambala District has received a significant financial boost after 13 Emyooga Savings and Credit Cooperative Organizations (SACCOs) were awarded a total of Shs260 million in additional seed capital.
The funds, distributed under the government’s Emyooga program, are intended to strengthen SACCO operations and expand access to affordable credit among members at the grassroots level. Each SACCO received Shs20 million, a move expected to deepen financial inclusion and support small-scale entrepreneurs.
The latest disbursement targets SACCOs that have demonstrated strong performance, proper accountability, and effective utilization of previous funds. Authorities say this additional support is meant to reward discipline while also encouraging better management practices among other groups.
Beneficiaries of the program include members engaged in various income-generating activities such as boda boda transport, tailoring, carpentry, welding, market vending, and other small businesses. These sectors form the backbone of local economies in Butambala and are critical to household income generation.
Local leaders have welcomed the funding, describing it as timely and impactful, especially in a period where many small businesses are still recovering from economic challenges. They expressed optimism that the increased capital base will allow SACCOs to extend larger and more flexible loans to their members.
Officials from the Microfinance Support Centre emphasized that the funds are not handouts but revolving capital meant to benefit many people over time. Members are required to apply for loans through their SACCOs and adhere to repayment schedules to ensure sustainability of the program.
They further noted that proper utilization of the funds will enable SACCOs to grow their portfolios, build trust among members, and attract even more support in the future. Transparency and accountability remain key conditions for continued government funding.
However, leaders also issued a warning against mismanagement of funds, citing previous incidents in other districts where misuse of Emyooga money led to losses and legal action. SACCO leaders were urged to uphold integrity and ensure that all transactions are properly documented.
Community members have been encouraged to actively participate in their SACCOs, attend meetings, and monitor how the funds are being used. This collective responsibility is seen as vital in safeguarding the success of the initiative.
The Emyooga program, a flagship government initiative, aims to transition households from subsistence to a money economy by organizing citizens into productive groups and providing them with affordable financing.
With this latest injection of funds, Butambala’s Emyooga SACCOs are expected to scale up operations, empower more individuals, and contribute to sustainable economic growth in the district.
As implementation continues, stakeholders remain hopeful that the program will deliver long-term benefits and transform livelihoods across communities in Butambala.
