In a move aimed at boosting market access and supporting local producers ,government is set to build regional exhibition centres across the country dedicated to showcasing and selling products made by Emyooga program beneficiaries.
This announcement was made during the MSC Bazaar exhibition held at Kakyeka Stadium in Mbarara, where Emyooga Saccos from the Ankole Region gathered to showcase their diverse range of products.
Organized by the Microfinance Support Centre (MSC), the event brought together hundreds of beneficiaries who proudly displayed their goods, ranging from agricultural produce, textiles, crafts, to various locally manufactured items.
Haruna Kasolo Kyeyune, the State Minister of Microfinance and Small Enterprises, announced to hundreds of Emyooga beneficiaries that government plans to construct large storage facilities where Emyooga beneficiaries can store and showcase their products stating that this aims to provide them with a consistent and reliable market for their goods.
"In every region, like here in Mbarara, we are going to establish stores known as exhibition rooms or large supermarkets, where Emyooga beneficiaries will sell their products. These stores will be located in the city, and beneficiaries will not be required to pay rent. For those participating in the Emyooga program, rest assured that you are in good hands there are still many more benefits to come." he said.
The minister assured them that this will ensure a stable market for their products, as everything will be showcased in one place, making it convenient for buyers to access.
The MSC Bazaar Exhibition attracted over 7,000 attendees, with 103 SACCOs from the Ankole region showcasing their products. These SACCOs requested assistance in obtaining certificates from URSB and UNBS, a request to which Hon. Harunah Kasolo promptly responded.
Minister Kasolo assured Emyooga SACCO beneficiaries that his office would ncover the costs of certifying their products, enabling them to sell their goods in any market.
"We will assist you in obtaining UNBS certification for your products. While visiting your displays, I noticed that many items lacked the certification seal. Without this, discerning buyers may not purchase your products. My office will cover the certification costs to ensure your product's can go to whichever market," he said.
He, however, encouraged them to engage in productive activities, emphasizing that a person who does not work cannot save, and without saving, one cannot attain wealth.
At the same event, Minister Kasolo announced that each SACCO would receive an additional shs20 million in capital, a declaration that thrilled the audience.
He also handed over a cheque worth shs5.8 billion, stating that the funds are already available in the MSC account for eligible SACCOs to access.
This money will be disbursed to 620 SACCOs, of which 270 have already received the additional seed capital.
Joseph Tukamushaba, the Head of the Emyooga Secretariat at the Microfinance Support Centre stated that they are not only celebrating the efforts of MSC but also the achievements of beneficiaries who embraced the message of socio-economic transformation.
"We thank you all our Emyooga beneficiaries for listening to the messages of social economic transformation and also to implement what we taught. We celebrate your works today."
Mr. Tukamushaba also pledged to support all SACCOs involved in value addition in obtaining certification from URSB.
Rt. Maj. Hakim Asiimwe, a beneficiary and leader of the Mbarara City North Veteran's Widow and Children Emyooga Sacco, who is involved in maize production, welcomed government's plan to establish a store for showcasing and selling their products. He believes this initiative will help them expand their market reach.
"It will be a big achievement because where we work from, we are renting and paying so many taxes, so if government can come and assist us on rent, that will be a very big achievement and it will help us make a lot of profits."
Regarding certification, Rt. Maj. Hakim Asiimwe noted that obtaining stamps from the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) and the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) will boost their business growth and expand their market reach.
"The minister and MSC officials promised to support us in obtaining the certification stamp, which will significantly help our business grow and increase our profits."
Immaculate Tumuhimbise, the chairperson of Mbarara City South Women Enterprise Sacco, which specializes in making charcoal briquettes and wine, noted that they face a major challenge in marketing their products because they are not yet certified.
She added that government's plan to support them in obtaining certification from URSB and UNBS will enable them to penetrate international markets, particularly targeting neighboring countries like Kenya.
"We have had a challenge of markets, because going to other places it becomes a challenge marketing this product. We can't sell his wine in supermarkets because it is not certified by UNBS. So we have a feeling that if government Of Uganda can support us by certifying our products, then we shall launch it to all Supermarkets allover and also have international markets. We shall be able to cross boarders Of Uganda and go to Kenya, Rwanda, Congo and that will earn us a lot of income elevating from low income earners to middle-class." She said.
The exhibition stressed the success of the Emyooga initiative in empowering communities and boosting economic growth through access to affordable credit and business training.