President Museveni has donated Shs100 million to support Bunyoro master of ceremonies (MCs), media panelists, and hosts through a regional Sacco designed to improve their livelihoods.
The distribution was launched with guidance from State Minister for Public Service Grace Mary Mugasa, who urged members to use the funds wisely and repay them so others can also benefit.
Stella Tumusime, chairperson of the Bunyoro MCs, media panelists, and hosts Sacco, said Hoima City contributed the largest number of members, 35, out of the nine districts in Bunyoro.
Other districts contributed fewer members: Masindi 11, Kikuube 13, Kakumiro three, Kagadi and Kibaale together 12, Hoima district three, and Kiryandongo and Buliisa two each.
Tumusime attributed low participation in some districts to reluctance to meet Sacco requirements such as subscriptions and savings.
Hoima City Resident Commissioner Badru Mugabi said he mobilized members across the region to form the Sacco and identified district coordinators to oversee the initiative, including Jamil Tumusime in greater Kibaale, Fredrick Makuru, Bingi Moses, and Fred Byenkya in Hoima City, and Stella Tumusime as overall coordinator.
Mugabi noted that some potential members failed to meet requirements, but the funds would be distributed to eligible participants rather than remain dormant.
State Minister Mugasa explained that the President’s support targets MCs and media panelists who engage large audiences but do not benefit from programs such as Emyooga and PDM.
“About Shs1.8 billion has been given to these groups nationwide. This is a revolving fund, and I encourage members to invest and repay so others can also benefit,” she said.
She clarified that the funds are intended to support livelihoods, not influence political support.
Each beneficiary is receiving between Shs1 million and Shs2 million, with repayments expected to start within a month at a minimum of Shs200,000 per month until the loan is fully settled.