Public cautioned on politicians distorting Emyooga’s purpose

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Members of the public have been cautioned against politicians who politicise government development programmes for their own gain.

Irene Nambafu, a coordinator for the Presidential Initiative on Wealth and Job Creation (Emyooga), warned that while such leaders understand the value of these programmes, they criticise them, particularly Emyooga, for selfish reasons.

“Whenever these leaders learn that their supporters are not among the beneficiaries, they claim that the development programmes are non-existent, but they are real and will reach everyone as per the design,” she said.

“Emyooga is a government programme meant to benefit Ugandans in the 18 chosen groups, irrespective of one’s political belief; let us put politics out of it,” she added.

Nambafu noted that, unlike many other initiatives, Emyooga began during an election campaign period, which has led many to wrongly associate it with politics.

She made the remarks while addressing leaders of Emyooga Savings and Credit Cooperative Societies (SACCOS) from the Busoga sub-region during a meeting at Kakindu Stadium in Jinja city on November 8, 2025.

Nambafu expressed concern that loan recovery remains low due to what she described as dishonesty among Sacco leaders, saying many have failed to lead by example or train members on their responsibilities.

During the meeting, several Emyooga groups shared testimonies of how the initiative has transformed their lives through savings and access to loans for boosting business activities.

Lillian Sansa of the Jinja Northern Division Women Entrepreneurs Emyooga Sacco said the group received sh30 million in seed capital from the government and now boasts over sh79 million in members’ savings with a loan portfolio of sh153 million.

She added that the group produces fruit juice certified by the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS).

Nusula Kitimbo, treasurer of a tailors’ Sacco, hailed the programme as a game changer, noting that, unlike previous initiatives, the funds reach people at the grassroots, enabling beneficiaries to start income-generating activities and improve their living standards.

She, however, asked the government to increase the seed capital given to savings groups and to allow beneficiaries a grace period, as is the case with other programmes.

Samuel Nabeta, coordinator of the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), commended the government for empowering various groups such as women, youth, the elderly, and slum dwellers, who he said had been sidelined by past regimes.

Similarly, Paul Balidawa, assistant resident city commissioner for Jinja, noted that through these initiatives, the government seeks to address unemployment. He urged residents not to be swayed by opportunists, especially during the campaign period, but to remain focused on improving household incomes to alleviate poverty.