President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has donated Shs 20 million to Akaserengeto Savings Group in Kalerwe Abattoir, Kawempe Division, as part of his ongoing efforts to support grassroots economic empowerment. The contribution was delivered by Senior Presidential Advisor on Political Mobilization, Moses Byaruhanga, during the group’s fifth anniversary celebrations.
Speaking to hundreds of cattle traders, butchers, and vendors at the abattoir, Byaruhanga emphasized the government’s commitment to improving livelihoods through targeted financial support and accountability.
“President Museveni has sent you Shs 20 million directly. Use it wisely to grow your businesses. Keep the interest rates low so everyone benefits,” he said.
Byaruhanga also revealed that the group, now a registered SACCO with 1,018 members, qualifies for additional support from the Microfinance Support Centre and government’s low-interest “Katale loan” scheme for market vendors. The Katale loan, launching in July, will charge just 8% interest annually and target low-income earners.
He further announced an upcoming “boda boda loan” that will require no collateral and come with insurance and GPS tracking. “Instead of paying Shs 12 million for a bike as with private lenders, you will only pay Shs 7 million in two years,” he explained.
Leaders Urged to Step Up
Byaruhanga criticized the failure of some local leaders to effectively supervise government initiatives, particularly the Emyooga program. He revealed that Kampala SACCOs alone received Shs 18 billion under Emyooga, yet only 57% are active.
“I sent a team to check. Over Shs 8 billion went to inactive SACCOs,” he said. “Ask your local leaders why they haven’t followed up on these programs. If they can’t, we will.”
He suspended any further disbursement of Emyooga funds in Kampala until accountability gaps are addressed, accusing some leaders of spending more time criticizing the President than doing their jobs.
Support for Kalerwe Traders
Byaruhanga pledged to assist the Kalerwe Abattoir community in acquiring a cold room to improve meat storage and quality. He also promised to work with relevant authorities to address concerns raised by local businessman Hajji Abdul Mwebesa regarding the current ban on hide and skin imports.
The event drew praise from community leaders, including Kawempe South Parliamentary aspirant Hajjat Madina Nsereko, who thanked both President Museveni and Byaruhanga for supporting development in Kawempe.
“Byaruhanga has touched many lives here—from water access to market improvements,” she said. “This year, 34 Kawempe Imams went for Hajj thanks to the President’s support. We also received Umrah offers.”
A Growing SACCO Story
Nelson Ojambo, Vice Chairperson of Akaserengeto Savings Group, narrated the group’s journey. “We began in July 2020 with six members. Today, we are 1,018 strong,” he said.
The group helps members overcome financial challenges by saving daily, starting from just Shs 1,000. Members maintain individual savings accounts and operate within a legally registered SACCO structure.
Ssalongo Ssekanyo Sulaiman, Chairperson of Kalerwe Abattoir, described Akaserengeto as a model of local empowerment. “These saving groups are transforming lives in our abattoir,” he said.
With government backing and renewed commitment to transparency and service delivery, Akaserengeto’s success stands as a model for community-led development in Uganda.
