Summary:

• The government plans to publicly shame Emyooga fund defaulters on radio to prompt repayment, aiming to address economic challenges in Bukwo district, Uganda.

BUKWO, (Examiner) – State Minister for Microfinance, Haruna Kyeyune Kasolo, has revealed the government’s plan to address defaulters of the Emyooga fund by publicly naming and shaming them through radio broadcasts. This strategy aims to compel non-compliant beneficiaries to repay their outstanding loans. Kasolo made this announcement during a monitoring and evaluation tour of the Emyooga program at Kameti Primary School playgrounds in Kameti Sub-county, Bukwo district, located in the Sebei Sub-region.

The Emyooga initiative, initiated in August 2019, is a presidential program designed to foster wealth and job creation by transitioning households from subsistence to market-oriented production. This program is seen as a critical component in Uganda’s efforts to promote economic development and reduce poverty across various regions.

Bukwo district, situated in Eastern Uganda, is home to 36 Emyooga Savings and Credit Cooperative Organizations (SACCOs), which were established in 2021 to facilitate access to financial resources for local entrepreneurs and businesses. In the initial phase of the program, each SACCO received Shs 30 million in funding, with the exception of Local Leaders SACCOs, which received Shs 50 million each.

During his address, Minister Kasolo directed the district commercial officer to compile a comprehensive list of defaulters who have failed to repay their Emyooga funds for over two years. He emphasized that individuals listed as defaulters risked public embarrassment and urged them to settle their debts promptly to avoid further consequences.

The Resident District Commissioner of Bukwo, Bessie Modester Ajilong, echoed Minister Kasolo’s concerns about the low recovery rate of Emyooga funds in the district. She highlighted the misconception among some beneficiaries who mistakenly believed that the funds were grants rather than loans, leading to reluctance in repayment.

Rita Namuwenge, the National Coordinator of the Emyooga Program, reiterated the nature of the funds as revolving loans, emphasizing the responsibility of defaulters to fulfill their repayment obligations. Namuwenge warned that failure to comply with repayment could result in legal action, including potential arrests.

The government’s decision to name and shame defaulters underscores its commitment to enforcing accountability and promoting responsible financial practices among Emyooga beneficiaries. This proactive approach aims to safeguard the integrity of the program and ensure its long-term sustainability in driving economic growth and empowerment at the grassroots level.

Minister Kasolo’s upcoming visit to Kween district, also located in the Sebei Sub-region, reflects the government’s ongoing efforts to assess the implementation and impact of the Emyooga Program across various regions. This comprehensive evaluation process is essential for identifying challenges, addressing gaps, and optimizing the program’s effectiveness in achieving its objectives.