Rubanda District has disbursed a total of Shs. 197 million to empower women and youth under the Uganda Women Entrepreneurship Program (UWEP) and the Youth Livelihood Program (YLP).
Of the total funds, Shs. 155 million has been allocated to 24 women’s groups under UWEP, while Shs. 42 million has been given to seven youth groups under YLP.
The disbursement ceremony, held at the District Rukiiko Hall, was presided over by the Secretary for Health and Education, Obed Mutatiina Kitabutuuka, who represented LC.5 Chairperson Ampeire Stephen Kasyaba on Monday. Kitabutuuka commended the NRM Government for initiating wealth creation programs that aim to empower special interest groups.
The Rubanda District Chairperson of the Women’s Council, Matilda Kyarikunda, urged beneficiaries to use the funds responsibly, warning against spending on non-income-generating items such as alcohol and cosmetics.
CUE IN KYARIKUNDA……ON WARNING…..RR//
District Community Development Officer, Gordon Kahwezi, reminded beneficiaries that the funds are soft loans forming part of a government revolving fund, with no interest charged during the first year.
CUE IN KAHWEZI…..ON PAYING BACK…..RR//
Meanwhile, the District Principal Administrative Secretary, Elly Mucunguzi, expressed disappointment over some youth failing to repay loans under YLP, stressing the importance of honoring commitments. She also acknowledged women who had successfully benefited from UWEP.
Since the inception of these programs, Rubanda District has disbursed Shs. 943 million under YLP and Shs. 755 million under UWEP.
