Savings and Credit Cooperative Organizations (SACCOs) have been urged to embrace transparency and strict accountability measures to safeguard members’ savings, prevent misuse of funds and ensure sustainable growth. The call was made by officials from the Microfinance Support Centre (MSC) during the disbursement of Shs 660 million to 33 best-performing Emyooga SACCOs in Kassanda District. The additional funding, amounting to Shs 20 million for each SACCO, is aimed at strengthening access to affordable credit, boosting group savings and enabling beneficiaries to invest in income-generating ventures.
Speaking during the event, the MSC Zonal Manager for Kabarole, Boaz Tuhumure, emphasized that transparency remains the cornerstone of any successful cooperative. “Make sure that you are transparent in whatever you do and follow the guidelines so that this money is not misused,” Tuhumure advised. “Through transparency and proper management of funds, SACCOs are able to grow their portfolios, build trust among members and create their own wealth.”
He noted that the Emyooga programme is performance-based, explaining that SACCOs that demonstrate proper utilization of funds and strong governance structures will continue receiving additional support annually. “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 members to witness this so that everyone is aware the money has arrived. In the past, a few leaders would receive and withdraw funds without informing the rest,” he explained.
Tuhumure added that the presence of political and administrative leaders at the function was deliberate to strengthen oversight and accountability.
“That is why we invited Members of Parliament, district officials and the RDC’s office so that all of us are aware that the money has come to Kassanda. This collective awareness will reduce mismanagement and strengthen accountability,” he said.
He reiterated that the objective of the Emyooga Programme is to facilitate the socio-economic transformation of households from subsistence living to participation in the money economy through market-oriented production. The programme also seeks to increase employment opportunities and improve household incomes among targeted beneficiaries.
The Member of Parliament-elect for Kassanda South, Hajji Abdu Bisaso, thanked President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for fulfilling his pledge to support well-performing SACCOs.
“The President promised to add an additional Sh20 million to every well-performing Emyooga SACCO, and that promise has been fulfilled today. Shs 660 million has been disbursed to 33 best-performing SACCOs in this district,” Bisaso said.
He urged beneficiaries to put the funds to productive use and adhere to guidelines set by the MSC.
“This money is not for the government; it is your money. Use it as planned and as guided by the Microfinance Support Centre. Those who have not received support yet will also benefit once they meet the required standards,” he added.
The Assistant Resident District Commissioner (RDC) for Kassanda, Saulo Kityo, described the funding as a major milestone for the district.
“Today has been a very good day because we have handed over Shs 660 million to the SACCOs. The funds have already reached their accounts and 33 SACCOs are now ready to work,” Kityo said.
He dismissed claims that the funding was politically motivated, saying the continued annual support demonstrates the government’s long-term commitment to economic empowerment.
“Many people thought this was a campaign tactic, but now it has become a reality. Every qualifying SACCO is supposed to receive Sh20 million every year, and over five years that can accumulate to about Sh100 million if they perform well,” he noted.
Kityo further revealed that the government has involved all local leaders in joint monitoring efforts and will establish special committees to conduct regular audits. The aim is to identify weak SACCOs, offer technical support and curb any misuse of funds.
Beneficiaries welcomed the funding, expressing optimism about expanding their businesses and improving their livelihoods.
Sulaiman Nviiri, a member of one of the SACCOs, said the funds would help him grow his poultry enterprise and support his children’s education.
“We 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 tuition and grow my business,” Nviiri said.
The beneficiary SACCOs cut across various enterprise categories. From Bukuya County, the groups include Local Leaders, Market Vendors, Performing Artists, Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), Produce Dealers, Restaurant Owners, Salon Operators and Welders. Kassanda South beneficiaries include Salon Operators, Produce Dealers, Carpenters, Boda Boda Riders, Performing Artists, Journalists and Veterans.
In Kassanda North, supported groups 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.
As the funds are rolled out, leaders stressed that transparency, regular audits and active member participation will determine whether SACCOs not only survive but thrive.
