Butaleja EMYOOGA SACCOs Beneficiaries Endorse Museveni for President.
By Ambrose Wanagoli.
BUTALEJA — EMYOOGA SACCO leaders and beneficiaries in Butaleja District on Monday endorsed President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni as their preferred presidential candidate, citing government wealth-creation programmes that they say have improved livelihoods.
The endorsement event was held at Butaleja District Booma Grounds and was officiated by the Assistant Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Mr. Godfrey Nasuga Musulemi.
Mr. Nasuga thanked EMYOOGA beneficiaries for what he described as a gesture of appreciation toward President Museveni, arguing that the President remains committed to expanding economic empowerment programmes if re-elected.
He said his office had streamlined access to EMYOOGA funding after complaints from applicants who had completed procedures but failed to receive funds.
He encouraged beneficiaries to also apply for the Grow Fund, the Youth Livelihood Programme, and the Parish Development Model (PDM).
Mr. Nasuga further asked the Microfinance Support Centre to temporarily halt the EMYOOGA performance audit in Butaleja District until pending application files are cleared to allow more groups to access the revolving funds.
The EMYOOGA coordinator for Elgon Zone, Ms. Sylvia Nafuna, reported that their mobilisation mission started in the Sebei sub-region before expanding to Bukedi.
She said EMYOOGA has transformed many households across the country, but cautioned beneficiaries to repay the revolving funds on time so that others can also benefit.
Mr. Joshua Burigwa, the Manager of the Microfinance Support Centre, revealed that government has so far disbursed Shs 2.5 billion to EMYOOGA SACCOs in the area.
He said his office is processing 10 additional files to release funds to more applicants, but warned that an audit of EMYOOGA SACCOs in Butaleja District for the year 2025 will be conducted in early January 2026.
The Chairperson of EMYOOGA SACCOs in Butaleja District, Mr. Akim Muleera Walujjo, said the district has 36 registered EMYOOGA SACCOs.
He disclosed that the SACCOs expect to receive Shs 300 million to upgrade a rice milling and grading machine under the programme.
However, he expressed concern over what he termed as excessive bureaucracy, saying delays by approving officers, including RDCs and commercial officers, slow down access to funds.
One of the beneficiaries, Mr. James Magambo, representing produce dealers, said EMYOOGA support enabled their group to purchase 10 motorcycles, 10 tailoring machines for skills training, and to construct a restaurant in Busaba Town Council.
Meanwhile, Ambassador Dorothy Hyuha urged beneficiaries to support all National Resistance Movement (NRM) flag bearers from the presidency to LC I level.
She argued that an NRM-dominated leadership would ease lobbying for government support, adding that independent candidates often pursue personal interests.
In response, Ms. Agatha Hamba Muloki, an independent candidate for the Butaleja District Woman Member of Parliament seat, said she chose to contest as an independent following alleged irregularities in the recent NRM primaries.
She challenged claims against independents, noting that Vice President Jessica Alupo also serves as an independent.
Ms. Hamba further said her late father, Douson Muloki, was a dedicated NRM district leader, and pledged to continue supporting President Museveni despite her independent candidature.
She promised that if elected, she would mobilise a larger SACCO for the people of Butaleja to enable them access bigger loans at lower interest rates.
