Women in Rwamukora Village, Mwenge Constituency in Kyenjojo District, are steadily transforming their livelihoods through the government’s Emyooga programme, implemented by the Microfinance Support Centre (MSC).
Many have transitioned from unemployment and vulnerability to self-reliance and entrepreneurship.
At the centre of this transformation is the Mwenge Constituency Women Entrepreneurs Emyooga SACCO, which has grown both financially and in impact since its establishment in 2021.
Judith Atwongeire, the SACCO secretary, says the initiative has significantly improved members’ economic status since receiving initial seed capital from MSC.
“In 2021, we received seed capital of Shs30 million, which we used to improve our livelihoods,” she said.
Due to strong performance, the SACCO has since received additional funding.
“In 2024, we received an additional Shs20 million, and in 2025 another Shs20 million, bringing total seed capital to Shs70 million. Our share capital now stands at Shs71 million, and our loan portfolio has grown to Shs316 million,” Atwongeire explained.
To increase earnings, the SACCO shifted its focus to value addition.
“We realized that without adding value, we wouldn’t earn much. We ventured into making wine, hibiscus products, jellies, liquid soap, bar soap, and handicrafts,” she noted.
The SACCO has also evolved into a skills hub for women in the community.
“We have trained many women who previously had no source of income. They now know how to make baskets, soap, wine, and jelly,” she said.
The impact is visible across the area.
“Rwamukora Trading Centre has greatly improved since 2021. We have also created jobs for people selling our products,” she added.
On a personal level, Atwongeire says the programme transformed her life from an employee into an employer.
“I used to work in a factory and had no time or skills to start a business. After joining Emyooga, I acquired skills and accessed a Shs5 million loan. I have paid school fees, bought land, and improved my life. I was in misery, but now I can smile,” she said.
Despite the progress, market access remains a challenge.
“Our market is growing, but still limited. People in Kyenjojo know us, but we need support to reach bigger markets,” she noted.
For many members, Emyooga has been life-changing.
Fatumah Kyomuhendo, a single mother, recalls losing her job in Kampala during the COVID-19 pandemic and returning to her village with nothing.
“When I came back, I had nothing except my child, who needed support,” she said.
Her situation improved after joining the SACCO.
“I found women already progressing in a SACCO. I joined them, and I have never looked back,” she said.
Kyomuhendo now earns a living from jelly production.
“They trained me to make jelly, which is now my main source of income. I sell to schools and visitors,” she explained.
She has also diversified into goat rearing.
“I can now support my child and earn additional income from goats,” she added.
She credits exchange visits for building her skills.
“I learned jelly-making during a visit to Kabarole, where Joan Byahumugisha trained us,” she noted.
During a recent visit to the SACCO offices in Rwamukora, more than 10 women were engaged in processing wine and jelly using locally grown fruits and herbs, demonstrating a strong focus on self-sustainability.
The SACCO has also attracted attention from leaders in the Ankole sub-region, who visited as part of a benchmarking tour in Kabarole. They were particularly impressed by the active participation of both youth and the elderly.
Among the beneficiaries is 73-year-old Beatrice Asiimwe, who now earns income from skills gained through the programme.
“Before Emyooga, I had no skills and didn’t even own land. Now I have bought a plot, and my children and grandchildren have been able to study,” she said.
She described the initiative as life-changing.
“This programme has given me skills to survive. I now have an income,” she added.
The SACCO currently has 561 members across 21 groups and plans to expand into a training centre.
“We want to establish a training centre where we can teach others and award certificates, especially targeting the youth,” Atwongeire said.
Launched in 2019, the Emyooga programme is a presidential initiative aimed at transitioning households from subsistence living to market-oriented production.
It has brought thousands of Ugandans into income-generating activities by providing capital and skills, improving livelihoods, and contributing to national economic growth.
