Museveni announces reforms in SACCOs to expedite wealth creation

President Museveni has revealed that the government is considering introducing project centred SACCOs to support grass-root initiatives aimed at creating jobs and improving incomes for the rural poor.

“We have experimented this in Kasanda District and realised that if we encouraged wanachi (the public) to join SACCOs that promote their interests, it would be easier for government to channel money in those respective SACCOs for easy access for them to boost their projects,” the President said on Wednesday while addressing a public rally at Kyatiri Primary School grounds in Pakanyi Sub-County, Buruli County in Masindi District.

The ruling party chairman also announced that his government identified 13 projects including Boda Boda groups, women entrepreneurs, carpentry, saloons, taxi operators, restaurants, welders, market vendors, youth leaders, people with disabilities, produce dealers, mechanics and tailors.

The President who is currently on a nation-wide tour to promote governments’ programmes to create jobs and wealth through sustainable cost effective agro commercial projects said the proposal has already been introduced to cabinet.

The President was also a chief guest at a graduation ceremony of 884 students who completed six months of comprehensive training in the fields of tailoring, hair dressing, catering among others.

“My message is to mobilise people to wake up and say no to poverty at household level so that it is embraced by everyone. I have come here today to confirm what the youths and others do appreciate my countrywide campaign against poverty eradication at household level in the country. With this spirit and vigour, let’s take off in all aspects of creating a source of income for everyone,” the president said.

The President listened to the youth trainees from St Kizito Vocational and Friendship Centre in Masindi District who gave testimonies and revelations at a public rally that they now can make money after gaining the skills needed in their respective fields.

While addressing thousands of people who turned up for the rally, President Museveni emphasised that the people on small land holdings should stick to simple but profitable and commercial agricultural enterprises based on a four acre plan following government guidance initiated in 1997 including coffee, fruits, food crops to sustain the family, poultry, piggery, Mushrooms, fish ponds that do not require a big piece of land etc.

“This is to ensure that everyone is engaged in the war against poverty. We should not have spectators in this struggle, he said.

The President however, added that those on big pieces of land in Masindi district and other areas can grow maize, tobacco, or even cattle keeping on a large.

The Director of St. Kizito Vocational and Friendship Centre Agnes Nakazibwe said that the institution that started in 2007 has trained about 3380 graduates who are in gainful employment.

“The centre trains for perfection in all skills, believes in quality and encourages the youths that wealth gives improved and good health standards for people,” she said.