Rukungiri Municipality has officially launched the Rukungiri Municipality Industrial Hub SACCO, aimed at empowering young people with skills and financial support. During a recent gathering at the Rukungiri Municipal Council Hall, Town Clerk Mr. Isaiah Tumwesigye emphasized the importance of discipline and integrity as the youth engage with the initiative.
The SACCO currently consists of 49 members, all graduates from the Kigezi Presidential Industrial Hub, and has received a substantial UGX 50 million from the Presidential Fund. This funding is designed to help members apply their skills effectively and create sustainable businesses.
Mr. Tumwesigye expressed his appreciation for President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s commitment to youth empowerment, highlighting the initiative’s inclusivity. “This program is open to every young person willing to work hard and put their skills to good use,” he stated. He urged members to manage the funds responsibly, noting that the revolving nature of the loan aims to benefit future participants as well.
In the meeting, Mr. Owoyesigire Porry, Acting Commercial Officer, detailed the loan application process, which includes completing a Loan Application Form, creating a Business Plan, and signing a Disbursement Agreement. He introduced the WENDI Digital System to ensure transparent transactions, assuring members that funds would be tailored to their unique skill sets and monitored for accountability.
Mr. Tumwesigye encouraged members to take ownership of the SACCO, stressing that responsible management is crucial for its success. He reiterated Rukungiri Municipality’s commitment to leading by example in implementing government programs that empower youth.
The event featured testimonials from beneficiaries, including Atuheire Enoth, a shoemaker who shared how the initiative has transformed his life. “I started a small shoemaking business that sustains me,” he said, noting that he has also been hired by local schools to teach the craft.
With this initiative, Rukungiri Municipality sets a benchmark for youth empowerment, showcasing how strategic guidance and accountability can foster a generation of self-reliant Ugandans.
