"Gov't to announce Emyooga defaulters on Radio Stations"- Ritah Namuwenge.

The state minister for Finance in-charge of Microfinance, Mr. Haruna Kyeyune Kasolo, has revealed that the government will start broadcasting the names of Emyooga fund defaulters on radio stations.

He said, this will help the government to recover the funds from non-compliant beneficiaries. 

The Minister made the remarks during the ongoing countrywide tour for monitoring and evaluation of Emyooga program, at Kameti Primary School playGrounds in Kameti Sub- County, Bukwo District.

The Emyooga program, launched in August 2019, is a presidential initiative aimed at wealth and job creation. It seeks to transform 68% of homesteads from subsistence to market-oriented production. 

Data shows that Bukwo District has 36 Emyooga Saccos which were formed in 2021. Each Sacco received Shs30 million, except for Local Leaders Saccos which received Shs 50 million each.

Mr Kasolo instructed the district commercial officer to compile a list of defaulters who have failed to repay the Emyooga funds beyond two years. 

"If you don't want to be embarrassed or humiliated, go to the bank and pay the money to be removed from the list," he warned. 

Ms. Bessie Modester Ajilong, the RDC of Bukwo, confirmed that the recovery rate of Emyooga funds is low.

She noted that some beneficiaries mistakenly believed that the funds were a gift rather than a loan.

"The district remains committed to recovering the funds." She added. 

Ms. Rita Namuwenge, National Coordinator of Emyooga, emphasized that the funds are a revolving loan, not a grant.

Ms. Namuwenge who is also PDM Consultant for the Eastern Region, said that the defaulters must pay back the money.

She warned that defaulters would be arrested if they fail to comply.

The Minister's monitoring program enters day two, and today the team is in Kween district.