Emyooga: Kampala, Wakiso to get Shs50 billion

Through Emyooga, the Presidential Initiative on Wealth and Job Creation, SACCOs in Kampala and Wakiso’s informal sector will share Shs50 billion.

According to the ministry of Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs, groups in Kampala will share Shs26bn while those in Wakiso will get Shs14bn.

The initiative is aimed at promoting job creation and improving the household income of 68% of Ugandans in trades such as boda boda, taxi, restaurants, welders, market vendors, fishermen and so on.

The government had wanted to dole out Shs260bn in the whole country, but the "uniqueness" of the said districts saw it consider a special allocation of Shs50bn.

Additionally, Shs10bn has been earmarked to support groups that were not considered in the first Emyooga categories. This 10 billion will go visual artists, herbalists, gym trainers, waiters and waitresses, cobblers, bar attendants among others

Under the programme, 30 people form an association through which they get Shs30 million.

Officials say the funds to Kampala will be shared among 800 SACCOs.

As of Jan. 12, Shs4.24 billion had been given to 140 SACCOs in Kampala.

In Wakiso, 486 SACCOs will benefit from the program.

"We are calling upon people of Kampala and Wakiso that have not yet constituted their associations and belong to the 18 Emyooga categories or want more information on the same to approach the Division Community Development Office, DRCC and RCC's office," the ministry said.

"The program is still ongoing until all the targeted 800 SACCOs are supported."