Africa-Press – Uganda. In the heart of Ntungamo District, a quiet revolution is reshaping rural enterprise—turning overlooked crops like pumpkins into powerful tools for economic transformation and improved nutrition.
At the outskirts of Ntungamo Municipality, the Ruhaama Main Produce Dealers Omwoga SACCO has become a model of grassroots innovation under the EMYOOGA programme.
The group, made up of farmers and small-scale processors, is producing pumpkin flour packed with nutrients and commercial potential, drawing attention from across Uganda.
“This initiative is about more than just making profit,” said Sabbath Helen, chairperson of the SACCO.
“We are ensuring food security by adding value to pumpkins, especially during times of scarcity. We’re also creating jobs and opening doors for young people.”
The SACCO, which brings together over 80 associations, has expanded its activities to process other crops like groundnuts, coffee, and soybeans into marketable products such as flour and wine.
What began as a small community effort has matured into a value chain ecosystem with economic and nutritional benefits.
“This is the fruit of unity,” Sabbath said. “When communities come together with a shared goal, we can truly drive poverty out of our homes. That’s what EMYOOGA is about—economic empowerment at the grassroots.”
Launched in 2019, EMYOOGA is a presidential initiative on wealth and job creation aimed at supporting vocational groups through SACCOs and start-up capital.
In Ntungamo, the results are increasingly visible. Pumpkin flour production is not only boosting household incomes but is also helping to reduce malnutrition, particularly among children and expectant mothers, thanks to its richness in vitamins A and C, iron, and fibre.
“Pumpkins used to rot in our gardens,” recalled one farmer affiliated with the group. “Now, every harvest counts. We’re feeding the nation and building a future.”
Ruhaama’s success has sparked interest beyond Ankole. Delegations from Lango, Teso, and Acholi subregions have visited Ntungamo for benchmarking, inspired by the SACCO’s practical, scalable model.
“There’s so much to learn from what’s happening here,” said a delegate from Teso. “Their model is practical and impactful. It’s not just theory—it’s real business, real change.”
Officials from the Microfinance Support Centre, which coordinates EMYOOGA implementation, have described Ruhaama’s achievements as exemplary.
“Ruhaama’s success proves that value addition is the next frontier in rural entrepreneurship,” said Grace Bantura Atwine, the Centre’s relations officer in charge of Ntungamo District.
“We encourage other SACCOs across Uganda to follow their example.”
As the Ruhaama SACCO scales up, its influence is growing alongside its product range.
More families are tapping into the opportunities created by value addition, and more communities are recognising the potential of local crops once deemed marginal.
What began with pumpkin flour has become a regional beacon of how strategic support, community effort, and innovation can transform livelihoods—and, in the process, inspire a broader national movement.
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