President Museveni has announced plans to establish a dedicated revolving fund for residents living near the Mbale State Lodge, reaffirming the government’s commitment to ensuring that every homestead in Busamaga Parish benefits from wealth-creation programmes under an organised SACCO system.
Meeting members of the Mbale State Lodge Neighbours Association in Busamaga Parish, Mbale City, the President commended residents for organising themselves and initiating direct engagement with him.
He said the government’s central focus is to support every household with enterprise financing through the Parish Development Model (PDM), which he described as a pilot phase now ready for expansion.
“The first issue is to get figures—how many homesteads are here,” Museveni said, explaining that PDM operates in phases to reach households progressively.
He noted that the annual allocation of Shs 100 million translates into Shs 500 million over five years, a sum that can support about 800 homesteads depending on individual borrowing levels.
He added that families receiving funds will be expected to return the money, allowing the revolving system to reach more beneficiaries.
Museveni reiterated that the revolving fund will be strengthened over time to ensure full coverage of all households. He stressed the need for genuine SACCO structures and cautioned residents against the misuse of cooperative funds, citing previous instances in Kampala where leaders monopolised resources intended for communities.
He explained that SACCO members must borrow responsibly, noting that those who take Shs 1 million should return Shs 1.2 million after two years to keep the fund active and accessible for others.
The President outlined the government’s intention to support improved local roads, individual credit through the revolving fund, and shared community projects.
He said income-generating assets such as taxis, tents, public address systems, and similar items should be collectively owned to ensure community-wide benefit. Museveni also promised to deploy the State House Comptroller to verify SACCO membership and supervise the provision of seed capital.
Speaking on behalf of the Mbale State Lodge Neighbours Association, spokesperson Musoba Stephen said the group aims to empower youth to become self-reliant.
He expressed gratitude to the President for initiatives like Emyooga, PDM, and NAADS, saying these programmes have helped raise household incomes.
Musoba appealed for enhanced road infrastructure and financial support to strengthen both individual and group enterprises, including assistance in acquiring taxis, boda bodas, dairy cattle, ovens, and a permanent home for the association.
He noted that as neighbours to the State Lodge, the group often finds itself at the frontline whenever incidents occur, reinforcing the importance of government engagement with the community.
