The Mbale City Industrial division Tailors SACCO has made tremendous strides in transforming its members' livelihoods, registering an impressive Shs 80 million in savings through market-oriented production supported by their savings and borrowing activities.
This report is part of our ongoing series tracking the Presidential Initiative on Wealth and Job Creation (EMYOGA), launched in 2019, aiming to transform 39% of the populace from subsistence to market-oriented production.
The Industrial division Tailors SACCO is one of the EMYOGA SACCOS in Mbale City. It started in 2020 with 13 associations and now boasts 29 associations. The SACCO received a seed capital of Shs 30 million in 2021, followed by an additional Shs 20 million in 2022.
Edith Babirye Bitsenze, the SACCO chairperson, reported accumulated savings of 80 million UGX, in addition to membership fees and share capital. The SACCO has disbursed cumulative loans amounting to 200 million UGX to members, recovered Shs 111 million in loans, and currently has Shs 85 million in outstanding loans.
Testimonials.
Babirye has expressed pride in the organization's achievements, specifically highlighting how it has cushioned her and many others from the effects of the COVID-19 lockdown.
"I ate all my capital during the COVID lockdown when all shops and markets were closed" Babirye said
"But with emyoga loan I bought a sewing machines, and I stocked materials which I sale as well as using in fashion design for my clients for a living" she added.
Members showcased their products including crafts products, apparel, hair wigs, and liquid soap, narrating how the EMYOGA initiative has transformed their businesses and livelihoods.
Nuru Nambuya hails the government for Emyoga initiative which enable her to upgrade fron ordinary tailor to a fabric dealer and a fashion designer.
"My only capital was a sewing machine when I got a 1 million (from emyoga SACCOs) ,I diversified into liquid soap production supplying schools and clinics, i grew my capital ploughed back into the business"
To supplement their efforts, the members have established a tailoring school with the objective of passing on skills to youths and women. They make a range of products, including crafts and tailoring.
"We have a challange of limited space because we operate the vocational training within our office."
" we look forward to recruit up to 100 students but for now over 80 are yet to be passed out, we have just admitted 21 students" Babirye stated.