The Mbale City Northern Division Produce Dealers Emyoga SACCO has made significant strides in enhancing the livelihoods of its members, showcasing the success of the presidential “Emyoga” initiative aimed at wealth and job creation.
Based on Bukonde Road in Bufumbo Cell, Namakwekwe Ward, the SACCO has 422 members who have collectively accumulated savings of Shs40 million.
To date, the SACCO has issued Shs105 million in loans, recovered Shs58 million, and has 54 loans still outstanding. These accomplishments are bolstered by membership contributions and subscription fees.
According to SACCO Secretary Sylvia Nafuna, the organization initially received Shs30 million in seed capital, with an additional Shs20 million provided by the Microfinance Support Centre. These funds have been distributed among 16 active associations within the SACCO, with members engaging in various enterprises such as value addition, confectionery baking, and farming, resulting in favorable outcomes.
For instance, the Nabuyonga Young Single Mothers Association was granted Shs4.5 million.
Justine Kabuni Bisikwa, a member of the association, shared, “We were able to purchase an oven, which we now use to bake cakes that we distribute to various shops.”
SACCO Chairperson Fred Kidandi also pointed out another achievement: “Our members invested in coffee seedlings and chose to produce coffee powder themselves instead of selling the beans to others.”
Additional ventures include creating blends of millet flour with cocoyam and yellow sweet potatoes.
Members attribute their success to the skills acquired through training sessions and exchange visits, including one in Kabale funded by the Microfinance Support Center.
Nafuna noted, “We gained valuable insights on saving, loan recovery, and enterprise management.”
The SACCO leaders are looking ahead with plans to purchase a solar dryer for efficient post-harvest processing. “We intend to buy a solar dryer to ensure timely drying of our products,” they said.
Beneficiaries have expressed their gratitude to President Museveni for the Emyoga program, which has brought significant improvements to their lives.
Launched in 2019, Emyoga aims to transition 39 percent of households from subsistence to market-oriented production by promoting internal savings and providing seed capital. The program focuses on 18 specialized enterprises.
The achievements of the Mbale City Northern Division Produce Dealers Emyoga SACCO highlight the effectiveness of community-based financial initiatives in fostering economic development and enhancing livelihoods.
