Africa-Press – Uganda. The Butabika-Luzira and Luzira Prisons Tailors Emyooga Sacco is appealing to President Museveni and government ministries to award them supply contracts for safety boots and industrial wear as part of efforts to expand their small-scale manufacturing enterprise.
Formed in 2021 under the Emyoogapresidential initiative for wealth and job creation, the Sacco has steadily grown into a dual-purpose venture focused on tailoring and shoe-making.
Members say a government contract would not only boost their income but also strengthen Uganda’s local industry.
“We were given Shs30 million in 2021, which helped us buy three machines. But we want to expand. We need more machines, and we are looking for additional funds,” said Kenneth Kyambade, the Sacco’s vice chairperson, in an interview.
Operating from a modest facility in the Butabika-Luzira area, the group begins production work as early as 8:00 a.m., with members setting up machinery, cleaning workspaces, and preparing materials for footwear and garment manufacturing.
The SACCO currently employs eight people and offers vocational training to youth in practical skills. Its two core business lines—tailoring and footwear production—have already yielded a variety of products, including suits, school uniforms, ladies’ wear, school shoes, office shoes, and safety boots.
But their ambition extends beyond tailoring. Kyambade says their ultimate goal is to become official suppliers of protective footwear and uniforms to the Uganda Prisons Service, the Uganda Police Force, and other security agencies.
“Our appeal goes to the government and the President. We are making quality footwear that can be used by security agencies like prisons and police. If we are granted supply contracts, this would significantly boost our market and production capacity,” Kyambade said.
Despite the initial capital injection from Emyooga, members say they are constrained by limited equipment and funding.
The Sacco operates on a savings model where members contribute Shs5,000 weekly and issue small loans at modest interest rates to maintain operational liquidity.
Even with these efforts, they argue that a single government contract would make a dramatic difference, enabling them to scale operations, hire more staff, and increase their production output—especially of safety boots and uniforms.
As of March 2025, the government had disbursed Shs18.15 billion to 567 Emyooga Saccos in Kampala alone.
Nationwide, the initiative has received over Shs553 billion since inception. In the latest phase, each Sacco is also expected to receive an additional UGX 20 million to expand their activities.
The Butabika-Luzira Tailors Sacco says this continued support is welcome, but it must be matched with access to public procurement opportunities.
“If we are supported to join supply chains for public institutions, we can grow from a small Sacco into a major contributor to Uganda’s manufacturing economy,” said Kyambade.
“We are ready and capable.”
The group also envisions one day exporting its products across the region—especially as Uganda pushes for value addition and import substitution under Vision 2040 and the National Development Plan III.
For now, their focus remains on strengthening local roots and seizing every opportunity to grow through government support and enterprise.
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