By Aggrey Baba
The Government Chief Whip, Hon. Hamson Obua, has urged local leaders and stakeholders in Alebtong District to take a proactive role in ensuring that government wealth creation programs achieve their intended impact.
Addressing a gathering at the district headquarters on Saturday, Obua emphasized the need for leaders to mobilize communities to embrace life-changing economic initiatives.
Discussions centered on key government interventions, including the Parish Development Model, Emyooga, the Uganda Women Entrepreneurship Program (UWEP), the Youth Livelihood Program, and specialized grants for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and older citizens.
Obua expressed concern over gaps hindering the success of these programs, particularly in the implementation of Emyooga, where several Savings and Credit Cooperative Organizations (SACCOs) have failed to gain full membership or absorb available funds.
“In Ajuri County, of the 18 SACCOs established, some remain incomplete at the sub-county level. The Ajuri Carpenters SACCO, for instance, has only three registered associations out of the seven sub-counties and one town council, leaving many communities locked out of financial empowerment,” Obua revealed.
He further noted that most SACCOs were stagnating at their initial seed capital of UGX 30 million, while leader SACCOs remained stuck at UGX 50 million.
Despite the potential for increased funding based on performance evaluations, many groups had yet to qualify for additional financial support.
“We must rally our people to utilize these funds effectively. Once the money is distributed and repayments begin, the SACCOs can qualify for further assessments, audits, and capital injections. Unfortunately, many are still sitting at the starting line instead of moving forward,” he said.
Obua called on local leaders to intensify mobilization efforts and ensure that every eligible individual benefits from the government’s economic empowerment programs.
He was joined by the District Woman MP, Dorcus Acen, along with various district leaders, all of whom pledged to support efforts aimed at transforming Alebtong’s economic landscape. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
