1. What is Emyooga?
Emyooga is a word derived from a local Ugandan dialect (Runyankole) to refer to specialized skills enterprises/groups. It is a presidential initiative aimed at wealth and job creation.
2. When was it launched?
Emyooga was launched by H.E the President of Uganda in August 2019 as part of Government’s continuous strategies to transform 68% of Ugandan homesteads from subsistence to market-oriented production.
3. What are the objectives of the Emyooga initiative?
Increased employment/ job opportunities;
Increased access to specialized financial services to rural areas particularly to women/youth/PWDs;
Improved household income of the project beneficiaries;
Enhanced entrepreneurial capacity of different categories through sensitization, skilling and tooling.
4. Which specialized skills enterprises/groups does the initiative target?
The Emyooga initiative targets 18 specialized enterprises namely:
Boda Bodas
Women Entrepreneurs
Carpenters
Salon Operators
Taxi Operators
Restaurant Owners
Welders
Market Vendors
Youth Leaders
Persons with Disabilities (PWDs)
Produce Dealers
Mechanics
Tailors
Journalists
Performing Artists
Veterans
Fishermen
Elected Leaders
5. What is the target area of operation?
The SACCOs for each category will be organized at constituency level with operations at the parish level through established parish associations.
6. Who can benefit from this initiative?
All economically active Ugandans aged 18 and above can benefit from this initiative. However, members under the youth category should not exceed 35 years of age.
7. How will identification of eligible members be conducted?
The identification of individuals subscribing to a given category or enterprise will be done at the village level with support from the LC 1 leadership.
8. How does one subscribe to a category?
First ensure that you are engaged in one of the 18 enterprises targeted in this program. Then contact your LC1 leader for subscription to a Parish level association in line with your area of specialization. Ensure that the group you are subscribed to is registered by the District Community Development Officer.
9. How many members form an association?
Each parish association should have 7-30 members enlisted for a particular specialized enterprise. Should the number exceed 30, another group of the same specialized enterprise shall be formed. For example, if Kakoba Ward Bodaboda Association has 90 members, it will be split into three groups of 30 members each and named Kakoba Ward Bodaboda Association A, B and C.
10. Are members required to pay any fees?
Each member of a group will pay membership and subscription fees as agreed upon by the group. Both membership and annual subscription fees payable by each parish association to the constituency SACCO shall not exceed Ush.20,000/-.
11. What is the delivery model of Emyooga initiative?
The Emyooga initiative is financed by the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development through the Department of Microfinance.
The Microfinance Support Centre Ltd (MSC) is responsible for the planning, management, budgeting, reporting and accountability of all funds disbursed for the program. This includes funds disbursements to the groups and training of members and leaders.
The District Task Forces headed by the Resident District Commissioners (RDCS) and comprised of District Commercial Officers (DCOs), District Community Development Officers (DCDOs), Local Council V Chairpersons (LCV) and District NRM Chairpersons (DNRMC), are charged with mobilizing communities to participate in the program.
12. How much money is available for the program?
Government set aside Ush.100bn for the program, with each constituency receiving 560 million shillings.
