The kingdom of Tooro has called for stronger collaboration with the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) to enable Emyooga producers access broader national and international markets.
The remarks were made by the Prime Minister of Tooro Kingdom, Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire Akiiki, during an exhibition at the Kingdom headquarters in Mucwa, where Emyooga beneficiaries from across the region displayed their products.
“The important thing here is impacting local lives. From the testimonies we have seen, people have gained a lot through the Emyooga and SACCO programs. But without UNBS certification, these beautiful products will remain limited to local markets. If we want to access supermarkets and international markets, we need certification.”
Rwomiire emphasized that certification would unlock opportunities for beneficiaries to scale their businesses sustainably.
“These are game-changing interventions,” he said. “We have a lady with disabilities who started a piggery project and has been able to educate her grandson. Stories like these must be highlighted and supported with certification so that they can reach bigger markets.”
Boaz Tuhumure, Zonal Manager of Microfinance Support Center (MSC), praised the program’s impact and highlighted MSC’s commitment to supporting the Kingdom.
“Microfinance Support Centre is mandated to deliver affordable finance to communities to increase production and household income,” Tuhumure said.
“Our overall support to Tooro Kingdom is close to Shs 71 billion, reaching over 210,830 beneficiaries including 105,921 women, 64,000 youths, and 8,793 PWDs. Seeing the beneficiaries here today confirms that the support is working.”
MSC has provided agricultural machinery, trucks, training, and seed capital to farmers, helping them transition from subsistence to market-oriented production.
Deputy Prime Minister Harriet Nyakake Abwooli lauded Emyooga’s inclusivity, especially for women.
“I’m happy to know that the program is inclusive, especially seeing very many women in the program,” she said. “With initiatives like Emyooga, GBV reduces because everyone is busy doing something money-generating. God loves those who work. Have a working spirit.”
Among the beneficiaries, Angelica Kaija, a 70-year-old PWD from Mwenge South Constituency, credited Emyooga with changing her life.
“Emyooga came as a savior for us, especially for PWDs,” Kaija said. “With the seed capital, I started a piggery and have been able to pay school fees for my grandson. It has truly boosted our livelihoods.”
The exhibition showcased products including handcrafts, wines among others purchased through group savings, and processed foods.
The event began with a procession from Fort Portal City to the kingdom headquarters, underscoring the collective effort to support local producers and grow the regional economy.
