Soroti City Leaders Struggle to Recover Emyooga Funds

Soroti City authorities are still struggling to recover Emyooga funds in the 36 Savings and Credit Cooperative Societies (SACCOs). 

The latest figures obtained from the Soroti City commercial office show that the overall recovery level of Emyooga funds in the 36 SACCOs across the city stands at only 42 percent. 

The Presidential Initiative on Wealth and Job Creation (Emyooga) was launched in August 2019 as part of the broad government strategy targeting to transform 68% of homesteads from subsistence to market-oriented production with the overall objective of promoting job creation and improving household incomes. 

Of the 36 SACCOs that initially received 30 million shillings each, only 14 that had performed well with a recovery level above 70 percent, proper record keeping and functional structures have received additional capital of 20 million shillings each. 

George William Tukei, the Soroti City commercial officer highlighted mindset and poor enterprise selection as the key challenges faced by some SACCOs.

According to Tukei, the city has engaged SACCOs in several activities so that the members’ mindset changes to using money rightfully because initially, they thought it was a token of appreciation from the Government. 

“Earlier, members would plan for activities after receiving the money but am happy that Emyooga beneficiaries have now received skills and knowledge on how to manage their enterprises,” he said.

Ahmad Ameet Odeke, the chairperson of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) East Division Emyooga SACCo said the funds were disbursed during elections and people thought it was a token of appreciation to the voters which affected the recovery rate. 

Florence Adupo, the Eastern Regional Enterprise officer for Enterprise Uganda revealed that the beneficiaries were sharpened to ensure the sustainability of their enterprises after realizing that some members misused the funds thinking that it was free money while others have left the SACCOs.

Badru Ochengel, the Town Clerk of Soroti City West division encouraged the Emyooga SACCOs to keep and manage records so that they can track their progress.

"Emyooga program is one of the government programs, if you fail it then you would have failed the young generation, let us embrace the program", Ochengel added.

Musa Oroma, the Assistant Resident City commissioner of Soroti City West division asked the beneficiaries to be changed agents by borrowing and paying back the loans so that others also benefit from it.