Mukono– Leaders from across Mukono District have today convened at the CAO’s Boardroom at Mukono District Headquarters for a high-level EMYOOGA stakeholders’ engagement meeting aimed at re-assessing the performance of the government’s flagship wealth creation program, EMYOOGA.
The meeting brought together the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), Resident District Commissioners (RDCs), District Commercial Officer (DCO), Commercial Officers, District Internal Security Officer (DISO), NRM Chairpersons, LC5 leadership, District Community Development Officer (DCDO), Community Development Officers (CDOs), Town Clerks, and other key stakeholders.
Speaking on behalf of the District Chairperson, The Secretary for Works, Water,Environment and Natural Resources ,Hon. Ssentongo Robert Mwesigwa who is also the District Councilor representing Nakisunga Sub County commended the EMYOOGA initiative for its positive impact, noting that it has greatly improved the saving culture among communities. He emphasized the need for teamwork in implementing government programs, particularly EMYOOGA, to ensure effective service delivery.
“EMYOOGA has been one of the most successful government initiatives in boosting community savings and financial inclusion,” Hon. Ssentongo said. He called upon CDOs to extend EMYOOGA trainings and sensitization campaigns to the grassroots level, noting that while beneficiaries are selected at parish level, SACCOs operate at constituency level. He urged that all intended beneficiaries, including those in remote areas, should receive proper training on managing and repaying the seed capital as required by government policy.
Hon. Ssentongo also appreciated the Microfinance Support Centre (MSC) for consistently facilitating the EMYOOGA program and urged that commercial officers should also be included in future training sessions to strengthen local capacity.
Mr. Ntege, the Principal Commercial Officer for Mukono District, echoed the call for teamwork and extended training. He noted that from his recent field visits across the district, it was evident that many people still depend on government financial support but lack adequate awareness about such programs.
“A lot of effort is still needed in community sensitization through training sessions and radio programs,” he emphasized.
In her address, Hajjat Fatuma Ndisaba, the RDC Mukono District, called for stricter enforcement measures, including legal action against beneficiaries who deliberately refuse to repay EMYOOGA funds despite knowing the program’s policies. She advised SACCO members to maintain accurate records and avoid leaving documentation solely to their leaders, emphasizing transparency and accountability. Hajjat Ndisaba also urged the Microfinance Support Centre to empower local government officers for better management of EMYOOGA funds at the grassroots level.
Mr. Mwanje Hassan, the Assistant RDC, who officially closed the engagement, commended all attendees including the RDC, CAO, DISO, and representatives from the Microfinance Support Centre. He emphasized that EMYOOGA trainings and engagements should be extended to sub-county levels where the majority of the population resides and stands to benefit most.
Findings from a recent monitoring exercise conducted between 21st and 23rd July 2025 revealed several challenges affecting the performance of the EMYOOGA program in Mukono District. These included weaknesses in SACCO leadership and governance, poor program performance, low awareness and participation, limited use of seed capital, low loan recovery rates, and stagnated savings.
As Mukono District leaders reaffirmed their commitment to revitalizing EMYOOGA, the engagement ended with a renewed call for cooperation, accountability, and consistent community sensitization to ensure that the program fulfills its goal of improving livelihoods through entrepreneurship and financial inclusion.
