The Microfinance Support Centre (MSC) has disbursed Shs660 million in additional seed capital to 33 Emyooga Savings and Credit Cooperative Organisations (Saccos) in Kassanda District, in a move aimed at boosting access to affordable credit and improving household incomes.

The funds were released under the government’s Emyooga programme, with each Sacco receiving Shs20 million to strengthen savings, support small enterprises and expand investment in income-generating activities across the district.

The handover was conducted during an event held on Thursday at Kassanda District headquarters, bringing together Sacco leaders and members from Bukuya, Kassanda South and Kassanda North constituencies, as well as political and district leaders.

Speaking at the function, Boaz Tuhumure, the MSC Zonal Manager for Kabarole Regional Office, said the engagement was organised to promote transparency and prevent mismanagement of government support funds.

“We are here in Kasanda District to show the Emyooga beneficiaries that the programme is going forward. All the people we have invited here are benefitting circles that are receiving additional seed capital. Each Sacco will receive Shs20 million, bringing the total to Shs660 million,” Tuhumure said.

He noted that while some Saccos had already received the funds, others would be credited soon.

“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 the members so everyone knows the money has arrived, because in the past a few leaders would receive and withdraw it without informing the rest,” he explained.

Tuhumure added that the presence of political leaders and district officials was intended to ensure all stakeholders were aware of the disbursement, strengthening oversight and accountability in the management of the funds.

“That is why we invited the Members of Parliament, district officials and the RDC’s office so that all of us are aware that money has come to Kassanda. This will reduce mismanagement and strengthen accountability,” he said.

The MP-elect for Kassanda South, Hajji Abdu Bisaso, welcomed the release of the funds, saying it fulfilled a pledge made by President Yoweri Museveni to support well-performing Emyooga Saccos with additional capital.

“The President promised to add an additional Shs20 million to every well-performing Emyooga Sacco. That promise has been fulfilled today. Shs660 million has been disbursed to 33 best-performing circles in this district,” Bisaso said.

He encouraged beneficiaries to ensure the money is used as intended.

“Those who have not received will also be supported. This money is not for government; it is your money. Use it as planned and as guided by the Microfinance Support Centre,” he added.

The Assistant Resident District Commissioner (RDC) for Kassanda, Saulo Kityo, described the disbursement as a major milestone for the district, noting that the funds had already been credited to Sacco accounts.

“Today has been a very good day because we have handed over Shs660 million to the Saccos. The funds have already reached their accounts and 33 circles are now ready to work,” Kityo said.

Kityo further said the Emyooga initiative had proven to be more than a political promise, adding that qualifying groups could receive consistent annual support if they meet the programme requirements.

“Many people thought this was a campaign gimmick, but now it has become a reality. Every qualifying circle is supposed to receive Shs20 million every year, and over five years that can reach about Shs100 million if they perform well,” he said.

He also revealed that government plans to increase monitoring to ensure proper utilisation of the funds and support weaker groups to improve their performance.

One of the beneficiaries, Sulaiman Nviiri from Bukuya Emyooga Sacco, welcomed the funding, saying it would help him grow his poultry business and support his children’s education.

The beneficiary Saccos include Bukuya County Local Leaders, Bukuya County Market Vendors, Bukuya County Performing Artists, Bukuya County PWDs, Bukuya County Produce Dealers, Bukuya County Restaurant Owners, Bukuya County Salon Operators and Bukuya County Welders.

Other beneficiaries are Kassanda South Salon Operators, Kassanda South Produce Dealers, Kassanda South Carpenters, Kassanda South Boda Boda Riders, Kassanda South Performing Artists, Kassanda South Journalists and Kassanda South Veterans.

From Kassanda North, the beneficiary circles 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.

The Emyooga programme was introduced to support organised groups through affordable financing and enterprise development, with government officials encouraging beneficiaries to prioritise productive investment, savings growth and responsible borrowing.