The Church of Uganda has applauded the government’s Emyooga programme for its growing impact on poverty reduction, job creation, and enterprise development across the Busoga Subregion.
The commendation came during an exhibition held at Christ Cathedral Bugembe, where Emyooga Saccos from seven districts—Iganga, Buyende, Jinja City, Jinja Rural, Mayuge, Kamuli, and Bugweri—showcased a broad range of products including furniture, metalwork, farm produce, crafts, bags, and tailor-made bitengi.
Bishop-Elect of Busoga Diocese, Rev Canon Grace Lubaale, praised the programme and emphasized the church’s role in complementing government initiatives aimed at uplifting communities.
“We are formalizing a partnership with the Microfinance Support Centre. MSC is a government organisation supporting people to escape poverty through affordable loans offered via Saccos,” he said.
“The exhibition reflects the progress beneficiaries have made—whether mattresses, beds, chairs, or jewellery. As a church, our entry point is partnering with the state to eradicate poverty. When Christians are economically stable, ministry becomes stronger.”
Rev Lubaale also appealed for government support to the clergy Sacco, noting that clergy need economic empowerment to better serve their congregations.
“We have a clergy association and a clergy Sacco here. We request government support—200 million, 500 million, even a billion shillings—to empower the clergy as they continue empowering others,” he said.
He cited testimonies from exhibitors as evidence of the programme’s value. He noted examples such as juice makers who upgraded their production capacity after accessing Emyooga financing.
“Someone who once made juice for ten people is now able to serve a hundred because they acquired better machines. Production has increased, capacity has increased, and incomes have increased,” he said, urging government to inject more funds into the initiative.
Jinja City RCC Richard Gulume Balyainho congratulated the Saccos for proper utilization of funds and highlighted the programme’s structured financing model.
“When Emyooga began, each constituency received 560 million shillings. Every year, performing Saccos earn an extra 20 million. Over four years, that amounts to 80 million circulating within the community,” he said, urging beneficiaries to adhere to repayment guidelines to sustain the programme.
He added that the church’s extensive grassroots networks make it a powerful ally in combating household poverty.
Among the exhibitors was the Buzaya County Carpenters Emyooga Sacco, which credited the programme for transforming their operations.
“We used to make ordinary chairs, but the seed capital helped us upgrade to modern designs. Sales have grown, and we now employ 20 people,” a representative said. The group gifted the Bishop-Elect a set of sofa chairs in appreciation.
In Kagoma South, journalists who ventured into charcoal briquette production shared similar success. Swaliki Waiswa of the Journalists Emyooga Sacco said the programme has improved livelihoods and expanded employment opportunities.
“After school, many of us had nowhere to go. When Emyooga came, we began producing environmentally friendly briquettes. We planted a one-acre forest, employ 100 people—mostly youths and single mothers—and support 25 children with education and skills,” he said.
Busoga Zonal Manager Martin Isabirye said the partnership with the diocese aims to deepen the programme’s reach and strengthen community engagement.
“In Busoga, we formed 576 Emyooga circles. They received initial seed capital of Shs 17.92 billion and an additional Shs 7.16 billion,” he said. He noted improvements in saving culture, value addition, financial discipline, and enterprise growth, with many groups linking to institutions such as UNBS for certification.
He emphasized the importance of church collaboration.
“The church guides the moral side, and we support the economic side. When we speak with one voice, the programme reaches deeper into communities,” he said.
During the event, Bishop-Elect Grace Lubaale and outgoing Bishop Samson Naimanhye (in absentia) received gifts crafted by various Emyooga beneficiaries. The Cathedral leadership reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening partnerships that support community development.
“As the church, we are your partners,” Rev Lubaale said.