DOKOLO – District leaders in Dokolo have launched a grinding mill and maize hulling machine procured by the Dokolo South Women Entrepreneurs Emyooga Savings and Credit Cooperative Society at Cwagere Village, Cwagere Parish, Kangai Sub County.
During the launch, Barbra Akech the Resident District Commissioner said Dokolo District has 36 Emyooga SACCOs across Dokolo North and South, with a total of 451 associations. However, she noted that most SACCOs are collapsing due to poor loan recovery from beneficiaries.
Akech appealed to beneficiaries to utilize the funds well to transform their lives and start refunding the revolving fund to the SACCO.
She tasked SACCO leaders to provide her with a list of people who have failed to pay back the revolving fund.
She also issued a warning against the misuse of Emyooga funds and urged beneficiaries to begin refunding the revolving fund to the SACCO account.
Patrick Alyenyo, the Dokolo District Commercial Officer, urged SACCO leaders to lead with transparency and accountability, maintain a good business work plan, and keep proper records.
Peter Ogwang, the LCV Chairperson of Dokolo, said people should keep politics out of SACCOs and embrace hard work to generate wealth and develop their families.
He emphasized the need for leaders with good record-keeping, saying “there are also thieves who steal money even from bank accounts.”
Bosco Ogwang, Chairperson of Dokolo District Emyooga SACCOs, said loan disbursement without recovery is one of the main factors leading to the collapse of many SACCOs.
He noted that Dokolo District currently has only two model SACCOs doing well: Dokolo North Welders Emyooga and Dokolo South Women Entrepreneurs Emyooga SACCO.
Eveline Arebo, Chairperson of Dokolo South Women Entrepreneurs Emyooga SACCO, said the government, through the Microfinance Support Centre, has given the SACCO additional seed capital of shs 70 million.
The SACCO has 18 associations with 320 members.
Arebo added that they used shs 16 million to purchase the grinding mill and maize hulling machine to operate a business in support of the SACCO.
She said their vision is to eradicate poverty and build a peaceful, loving community with the goal of raising the standard of living and creating a conducive environment for all.
Meanwhile, Rev. Akona, Curate of St. John C.O.U Amatiburu Parish, Dokolo Archdeaconry, in his gospel message encouraged people to join groups that focus on unity and development, not groups of rumour-mongering, conflict, and tension.
He also requested the group to organize a retreat to guide members on living a good family life free from domestic violence.
