Minister Hon. Haluna Kyeyune Kasolo has revealed the government’s plans to prosecute Emyooga defaulters who have failed to return the money to their SACCOs. The tough Minister issued this warning on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, while assessing the performance of the Emyooga project in the Busoga subregion.
Minister Kasolo, who directed Resident District Commissioners (RDCs) to compile lists of those who fled with the money, emphasized that the campaign was meant for poverty eradication, not for political gain, as some had claimed.
He announced that an intensified taskforce has been established in every district Local Government across the country to strengthen efforts in locating the project defaulters.
“I have received reports that there are people who have not returned the Emyooga money. We are coming for you, and you must return it. Some thought it was money for elections, but they will soon feel the consequences,” Minister Kasolo warned while addressing beneficiaries at the Jinja Agriculture Show Ground on Wednesday.
He added, “We will run a radio campaign to announce the names of those who defaulted on returning our money. Every radio program will broadcast the names of those who took the Emyooga money so that they can be traced.”
Speaking about the effectiveness of the project, Kasolo noted that while some Ugandans undermined other programs such as the Youth Livelihood Funds, the Parish Development Model (PDM), and Women Empowerment Funds, the Emyooga money would not be tampered with.
Meanwhile, Emyooga groups from across the Busoga subregion gathered at the Source of the Nile Show Ground in Jinja City to showcase the progress of their SACCOs. These groups shared their experiences of how they utilized the money received from the Microfinance Support Centre to transform their lives.
Kasolo further emphasized that the funds are aimed at integrating the poor into the money economy, and he is committed to ensuring that every Ugandan becomes wealthy.
“My role is to make the poor rich. If you are already rich, don’t bother with me,” he said.
He also expressed concerns that “the irregularities in this Emyooga campaign should be attributed to me (Kasolo) and the beneficiaries, not to the President of Uganda.”
Encouraging hard work, Hon. Kasolo stressed that some people avoid work and instead blame President Yoweri Museveni for their lack of sustainable income.
He pointed out that while some people hold permanent positions in bars, they do not hold any positions in SACCOs.
The Uganda Microfinance Support Centre regional manager stated that Busoga has 667 SACCOs with over 14,000 members. These SACCOs have each received Shs 30 million.
According to the manager, these SACCOs have saved over Shs 13 billion in recent years.
To enhance skills and knowledge on how to effectively utilize the funds, SACCO leaders were previously educated, particularly in leadership, financial literacy, and mindset change.
“I am happy to inform you, Hon. Minister, that those who attended peer-to-peer training have applied their knowledge,” he said.
Col. Godfrey Damuzungu, the Operation Wealth Creation Chief and Head of Resident Commissioners in the Busoga subregion, assured that all RDCs are monitoring and supervising these government projects.
He urged beneficiaries to report anyone extorting money from them before endorsing and approving their SACCOs.
“We have been silent on this issue, but we are now empowered to take action against those engaging in extortion,” he said, adding, “We are ready to arrest anyone misappropriating this money.”
While touring the stalls of exhibitors, Hon. Kasolo encouraged beneficiaries to establish projects that support daily incomes. He advised them to respect their work, stressing the importance of saving in business.
“Save money in your SACCOs and boost your businesses or start new ones. The money you save today can help you tomorrow,” he said.
He reiterated that registered SACCOs would receive an additional Shs 20 million every year. These funds will be endorsed by the RDCs, who are the project leaders in their respective districts.
Kasolo also announced that Emyooga groups involved in manufacturing maize flour, soap, and other products would be certified by the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) at no cost.
