At least 13 Emyooga SACCOs in Butambala District have received Shs260 million in additional seed capital from the Microfinance Support Centre (MSC), in a move aimed at boosting small businesses and improving household incomes.
Each SACCO received Shs20 million under the government’s Emyooga programme to expand access to affordable credit and strengthen savings among members.
The funds were handed over on Wednesday at the Butambala District headquarters during an event attended by district leaders, SACCO members, and local residents.
Speaking at the event, MSC representative Joseph Balaza said the support is part of ongoing government efforts to empower communities economically.
“We are in Butambala to monitor the Emyooga programme and to release Shs260 million meant to benefit 13 SACCOs,” he said.
Balaza noted that although the district has 18 SACCOs, only 13 qualified for the latest funding.
He urged beneficiaries to use the funds responsibly, emphasizing that the money is meant to revolve within the groups.
“Government has committed to providing an additional Shs20 million annually, but this depends on proper utilization, growing membership, and timely loan repayment,” he added.
Balaza clarified that the funds are not meant to be returned to the government but should remain within the SACCOs to benefit members.
Butambala Resident District Commissioner Hajji Moses Ddumba cautioned beneficiaries against misuse of the funds.
“This additional seed capital is not just money, but a responsibility for both beneficiaries and leaders,” he said.
He urged members to invest in income-generating activities rather than non-productive expenditures such as luxury items or ceremonies, and encouraged a strong culture of saving.
District Commercial Officer Fisal Lubega highlighted the progress of the programme, noting that it began in 2018 with Shs560 million.
“Last year, 11 SACCOs received Shs220 million. Today, 13 SACCOs are receiving Shs260 million,” he said.
Lubega emphasized that the funds are not handouts but a revolving resource intended to lift communities out of poverty.
“Like a seed, this capital must be invested, grow, and be recovered to benefit others,” he explained.
Beneficiary groups include SACCOs for market vendors, welders, tailors, restaurant owners, carpenters, performing artists, salon operators, mechanics, local leaders, boda boda riders, and fishermen.
Earlier , MSC, in partnership with St Charles Lwanga Kayenje Catholic Day and Boarding Primary School and district leaders, planted 800 fruit trees as part of a corporate social responsibility initiative.
Balaza said the exercise aims to address climate change while promoting environmental awareness among learners.
“We want young people to move from theory to practice by planting and nurturing trees,” he said.
RDC Ddumba encouraged students to adopt tree planting as a lifelong habit, while headteacher Jacob Aoru welcomed the initiative, noting it will support both learning and nutrition.
