Minister Warns Politicians on Owning Gov’t Programs

Minister of State for Microfinance Haruna Kasolo on Friday concluded the launch of the Presidential Initiative on Wealth and Job Creation (Emyooga) in Kigezi region.

The minister ended the launch in Kabale, having earlier been in Rukiga, Kanungu, Rubanda, Rukungiri and Kisoro.

In 2019, President Museveni named sector–specific associations that are set to get funding from the government.

The 16 include bodaboda, women entrepreneurs, carpenters, salon operators, taxi operators and restaurant associations. Others are welders, market vendors, youth leaders, PWDs, produce dealers, mechanics, tailors, media operators, fishermen and the performing arts associations.

Minister Kasolo while speaking in Kabale, cautioned political leaders against politicizing the “Emyoga” Project of government.

“Emyoga” project was initiated by President Museveni to cause prosperity. I urge you politicians to desist from trying to own it; it’s from the president, not from any of us” Minister Kasoo said.

The minister, who doubles as the Kyotera County Member of Parliament in Rakai District, was responding to concerns raised by the District Youth Councillor Kwarikunda Michael Mbareeba, who accused a section of politicians of claiming to own the Emyoga project.

In response however, one of the accused politicians Hon. Hebert Kabafunzaki said it was morally and legally right for him to talk about the project because it is from his own NRM party.

He said Mr. Mbareeba was accusing him of politicizing a government project “simply because he (Mbareeba) belongs to the opposition side.

Mr. Mbareeba recently declared his intention to contest for the Rukiga District L.C 5 Chairperson seat.

As such, Minister Kyeyune rose up to clearly state the mission of the ‘‘Emyoga” Project. He said it was unfortunate that some political leaders had continued to put forward their political agendas at the expense of their voters who are living in poverty.

Kyeyune revealed that his Ministry had already received the funds and SACCO’s will access at least Shs 20 million and each district can have up to 18 SACCO’s in addition to the existing ones.

In the budget for FY 2020/21, seed capital to the tune of Shs 256 billion has been provided to organized special interest groups for the sixteen Emyooga projects.