Gov’t Launches Another Anti-Poverty Fund Initiative

State Minister for Micro Finance Haruna Kyeyune Kasolo has launched a new Presidential Wealth and Job creation initiative (Emyooga) aimed at eradicating poverty and creating sustainable development among Ugandans.

The new program which was launched in Wakiso District this week will benefit registered and active Saccos for Bodaboda groups, taxi operators, women entrepreneurs, journalists, PWDs, performing artists, produce dealers, wielders, salon owners, carpenters, market vendors among others.

Speaking at the launch, Minister Kasolo said the program is a new initiative that will be moderated and implemented by the Microfinance Support Centre (MSC) basically to extend financial assistance (seed capital) to small enterprises in different parts of the country.

“We have earmarked Shs. 4b for Wakiso district alone. This money is already available and waiting to be disbursed once the groups are fully registered with active members that are already saving money,” he said.

He further urged politicians and the general public to desist from politicising the program saying it is for everyone and not just supporters of the NRM government.

“No one should ask for any money to register anyone. This money is free to all qualifying groups. However, it will be monitored to ensure it multiplies within the group. It is not for members to spend anyhow” he added.

Speaking at the same event, Alfred Eboku Ejanu, the Head of Credit and Operations department at MSC noted that the program is still in its initial stages but money will be given out immediately the first groups are fully formed.

“Right now, we are sensitising leaders of these groups. Second step will be formation, and registration of these groups followed by education of all group members at parish levels. We will dispatch local terms to equip members with basic financial skills so that by the time the funds come it, everyone will be ready.” he said.

Rose Kirabira, the RDC Wakiso who will be the leader of the Wakiso taskforce for the project urged all stakeholders to work together to ensure that the initiative becomes successful and achieves its target of empowering the youth financially and getting them out of poverty. She emphasized that the only way common Ugandans can get out of poverty is if they come together in cooperatives.

“Please do no politicise this project as you have been doing for most of the government project. This project is different and must succeed in getting more Ugandans out of poverty,” she said.

The same group will be in Kasangati today to launch the same program in the district