In Kitagwenda District, the government’s Emyooga initiative is bearing fruit quite literally. Groups of determined women entrepreneurs are turning local produce into profitable ventures through wine making, poultry, coffee value addition, and other enterprises, transforming lives and communities once defined by economic hardship.
Beneficiaries under the Kitagwenda County Women Entrepreneurs SACCO have ventured into wine making and poultry farming, turning their skills into sustainable income-generating businesses.
One of the success stories is that of Ritah Alinaitwe, a proud beneficiary of the initiative, who says her life has changed completely since joining the SACCO.
“Before joining Emyooga, I was struggling to make ends meet. But with the support I received, I was able to start wine production, and the profits have helped me build my own permanent house,” Alinaitwe noted.
Another inspiring story is that of Gertrude Kemigisha, a mother of three, who received an initial loan of four hundred thousand shillings from the SACCO.
She invested the money in coffee processing, adding value to the beans to produce a drinkable product that has become popular in her community.
“This project has really changed my life. I can now provide for my children, and I’m proud to say that what I started with a small amount has grown into something that sustains my family,” Kemigisha said.
However, despite the progress, the journey has not been without challenges. Many members say the lack of adequate machinery has limited their productivity, while some still travel long distances to process their products, a cost that eats into their profits.
“We need better equipment closer to us. Transporting our products for processing is expensive, and it reduces our earnings,” Kemigisha lamented.
Kitagwenda District officials acknowledge both the successes and the existing gaps, noting that continued support and funding are crucial for sustainability.
“The Emyooga program has greatly empowered our people, especially women. We’ve seen remarkable progress, but we are still advocating for more funds to help beneficiaries acquire machinery and expand their businesses,” said Fred Musinguzi, Kitagwenda District Commercial Officer.
As the program continues to gain momentum, the women of Kitagwenda are proving that when opportunity meets effort, transformation is inevitable.
