Veterans in Katakwi District have been urged to register and subscribe to the district veterans’ SACCO to benefit from government programs and financial support.
This call was made by the district veterans’ representative, Rt. Lt. Col. Robert Ariko, during a presentation on the scope and progress of the SACCO in the district.
According to Ariko, the Katakwi Veterans SACCO is comprised of three county-based SACCOs: Usuk Veterans SACCO, Ngariam Veterans SACCO, and Toroma SACCO.
“The three county SACCOs have so far registered 200 fully subscribed members, each purchasing shares at UGX 10,000 per share,” Ariko reported.
He added that the SACCO received UGX 150 million, which was distributed among the three county SACCOs. However, Ariko noted that this amount was insufficient to meet the needs of all members. He appealed to the government to provide additional funding to support the growing membership.
Meanwhile, Rt. Maj. Joseph Otai, Chairperson of the Katakwi Veterans SACCO, expressed gratitude to the government of Uganda, especially President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and Vice President Jessica Rose Alupo Epel, for their continued support of veterans’ initiatives across the country.
Otai highlighted key needs for the district SACCOs, including three tractors, livestock distribution, and motorbikes for mobilization efforts. He also requested support from the Vice President’s office to cover office rent, as many SACCO offices currently operate in borrowed spaces.
During the event, Vice President Jessica Alupo was officially welcomed and joined the Usuk Veterans SACCO, increasing its membership to 201.
Francis Erwoku, the Eastern Uganda Regional Manager of the Microfinance Support Centre, also appreciated the government and the Vice President’s office for their efforts in supporting wealth creation programs in Katakwi.
“The Microfinance Support Centre has played a key role in the development of Katakwi, in partnership with the Vice President’s office,” Erwoku said.
Additionally, Mbaraza, the Regional Manager of the Microfinance Support Centre for Buganda and Bunyoro, commended the veterans for joining the SACCOs and pledged further support.
“As a centre, we are ready to provide two tractors and office furniture to support the SACCOs,” he announced.
Patrick Todi, the focal point person for Katakwi, confirmed that the government plans to remit an additional UGX 20 million to each SACCO. He urged SACCO members to start repaying loans so that others can benefit.
NRM Katakwi District Chairman, Clare Robert Okiror, acknowledged the significant achievements made through the office of the Vice President.
“As the NRM office, we are ready to monitor all government projects in the district to ensure that everyone benefits from wealth creation programs,” Okiror said.
LCV Chairperson Geoffrey Omolo praised the Microfinance Support Centre and the Vice President’s office for their support and encouraged all veterans and community members to join savings groups to improve their livelihoods.
Deputy RDC Xavier Vincent Okwi echoed similar sentiments, urging residents of Katakwi to embrace government programs for the betterment of their families. “The government is working hard to transform households,” he said.
Vice President Rt. Maj. Jessica Rose Alupo Epel expressed appreciation for the unity among veterans, especially during the recent NRM elections, and thanked them for electing her as the NRM Veterans Chairperson for Katakwi District.
She urged veterans to continue mobilizing people to join Emyooga and PDM groups to drive community development. “Let’s work together with bodaboda SACCOs and other groups to change our lives,” Alupo said.
Alupo listed various Emyooga groups, including youth, women, journalists, persons with disabilities, builders, and caterers and encouraged community leaders to raise awareness about these government programs.
She emphasized the importance of embracing initiatives such as the Parish Development Model (PDM), Emyooga, Youth Livelihood Program, and Uganda Women Entrepreneurship Program (UWEP) to lift people out of poverty.
In support of the SACCO, Vice President Alupo donated UGX 30 million and delivered an additional UGX 20 million contribution from Gen. Jim Muhwezi to support the construction of a veterans’ SACCO building in the district. She was also officially registered as a member of all three county SACCOs.
