400,000 Groups Register for 'Emyooga' Initiative in Teso

More than 400,000 groups in Teso Sub Region have registered for the Presidential Initiative on Wealth and Job Creation program.    

 

The program commonly known as Emyooga targets SACCO's formed in 18 specialized fields that need capital to boost their incomes. Each saving and Credit Cooperative Organization (SACCO) will be given 30 million shillings as seed capital while districts will receive 570 million shillings to support the SACCOs.   

The targeted groups include bodaboda cyclists, women enterprises, carpenters, tailors, mechanics, blacksmithing, carpentry, mechanics, pottery, performing artists and fishermen among other groups.



Simon Peter Egiriat, the Zonal Manager Micro support Centre in Soroti says that several people have expressed interest in benefiting from the fund.

Egiriat, while conducting the Emyooga validation launch exercise in Katakwi revealed that Amuria has the highest number of people seeking Emyooga funding with 654, followed by Kumi with 461, Ngora 436 and Serere 384. The others are Katakwi with 340 files, Kalaki 215 and Kaberamaido 210. 

Egiriat notes that they are yet to receive applications from Bukedea district. 

The selected beneficiaries are expected to undergo training before receiving 30 million shillings.  

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Michael Bwalatum, the RDC Katakwi who doubles as the chairman Emyooga program in Teso Sub Region cautions leaders from corruption tendencies of asking for kickbacks while processing on the Emyooga funds. 

Bwalatum claims that whereas the requirements for processing Emyooga funds are less costly, he has received a number of complaints where officials involved are asking for kickbacks from applicants.

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