Africa-Press – Uganda. In Kasese Municipality, the government’s Emyooga initiative continues to transform lives, turning humble beginnings into stories of empowerment and sustainable growth.
Across the bustling town, restaurant owners, chapati vendors, and small-scale millers are among the many entrepreneurs who have risen through the revolving fund designed to support those working in the informal sector.
At the heart of this transformation is the Kasese Municipality Restaurant Owners Emyooga SACCO, whose members say the program has not only improved their businesses but also strengthened community bonds.
“As a SACCO, we have grown not just in savings but in unity and purpose,” said Grace Asaba, the Chairperson of the Kasese Restaurant Owners Emyooga SACCO.
“Members who started small now own thriving restaurants and shops. Emyooga has made us believe that success is possible when we work together.”
Among the beneficiaries is Martin Opolot, who once worked at a local milling plant. With a loan of Shs500,000 from the SACCO, he took a leap of faith and started his own maize milling business.
“I was employed at someone’s mill, but I always dreamed of running my own,” Opolot shared.
“With the Emyooga loan, I started small — now I supply maize flour to shops across Kasese. My dream is to buy my own machine soon.”
Another success story is that of Lodrick Muhindo, who borrowed Shs300,000 to start a chapati stall.
“It was a simple roadside business, but Emyooga gave me a push,” Lodrick recalled.
“I’ve since expanded, and I can now sustain my family comfortably.”
For Eve Peace, the Emyooga loan was a true game changer.
“I borrowed two million shillings to buy restaurant equipment,” she said. “That investment increased my production and improved customer service. I now employ two people.”
The SACCO has also ventured into collective investments, renting a milling machine that produces several tonnes of maize flour per week.
With continued government support, the group hopes to acquire their own machine to boost production capacity.
“We’ve seen the impact firsthand,” Asaba added. “If government continues to support us, we can grow into one of the strongest SACCOs in the district.”
According to Kasese Municipal Commercial Officer, Jane Ruth Kabasongora, the Emyooga program has become a key driver of poverty reduction and job creation in the municipality.
“Emyooga has empowered people who were once job seekers to become job creators,” she noted.
“We’ve seen real improvements in livelihoods, savings culture, and local business activity.”
As Emyooga continues to inspire transformation across Uganda, the once struggling entrepreneurs of Kasese are writing new chapters of success — proving that with the right support, small beginnings can indeed lead to big dreams.
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