The Kyabazinga of Busoga, William Wilberforce Gabula Nadiope IV, has called on the government to increase funding for the Emyooga program, saying the initiative is delivering visible impact and has the potential to transform even more lives across the region.
The monarch made the appeal as he hosted officials from the Microfinance Support Centre (MSC) at the Busoga Kingdom Headquarters in Bugembe, where Emyooga beneficiaries held a lively exhibition showcasing products and enterprises supported through the programme.
Speaking after touring the stalls, the Kyabazinga praised Emyooga’s progress but said the success stories on display justify additional government investment.
“We urged the government through the Microfinance Support Centre to inject more money into such programs because, depending on what I have seen people showcasing here, it’s working,” he said.
He expressed concern about the low participation of young people and encouraged the youth to take advantage of Emyooga’s opportunities.
“We’ve realized that youths rarely embrace such programs. I call upon all young people to take part in developmental programmes that can transform their lives. By joining such initiatives, you will be able to develop your families and the communities where you live, because you are the majority,” he said.
During the tour, the Kyabazinga lauded the exhibitors as hardworking and innovative, noting that their products reflect a growing culture of enterprise in Busoga.
“I was impressed when I toured what the people are doing. It showed me that you are hardworking, responsible people trying to improve household incomes, educate children, and provide your families with basic needs. I thank you so much for the hard work I have witnessed today,” he said.
He also commended the Microfinance Support Centre for its continued investment in the sub-region.
“We thank the Microfinance Support Centre for the visit and for the money invested through the Emyooga program. As we have heard, they have invested over shs 17 billion and have already disbursed additional seed capital of over shs 7 billion. This has improved the lives of our people,” he said.
MSC Head of Business Development Services, Gibson Ayinamani, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to supporting Busoga’s economic growth and announced new partnership plans with the Kingdom.
“As the Microfinance Support Centre, we commit to continue serving the people of Busoga in all the initiatives,” he said, adding that MSC intends to expand its skilling programme for teenage mothers and fathers to include mechanics, carpentry, saloon management, and welding.
The expanded programme will run for three years, targeting 350 beneficiaries annually.
MSC Zonal Manager Martin Isabirye highlighted the programme’s progress, noting that 576 Emyooga circles have been formed in Busoga, receiving shs 17.92 billion in initial seed capital and shs 7.16 billion in additional disbursements.
The Second Busoga Vice Prime Minister, Al Haji Noor Osman Ahmed, applauded MSC for its efforts but urged the agency to prioritize youth inclusion.
“I want to thank you for the programs you are running. However, looking at the age bracket, I haven’t seen critical youth being part of it. I urge you to expand your target group to include the youths,” he said.
