Uganda: Museveni prepares increased funding for graduate SACCOs from presidential skilling hubs

The Ugandan government has disbursed 50 million shillings (UGX) to each Savings and Credit Cooperative Organization (SACCO) of graduates from the Presidential Industrial Skilling Hubs, a pilot package that President Yoweri Museveni now plans to increase, announced State House Comptroller Ms. Barekye on August 18, 2026, during a stakeholder meeting at the Tooro Zonal Presidential Industrial Skilling Hub in Kyenjojo district. This hub serves Kyenjojo, Kyegegwa, Kamwenge, Fort Portal City, Bunyangabu, and Kabarole. Ms. Barekye warned against using loans for non-productive purposes, citing alcohol and bride price: "The President is going to add more money to these SACCOs. Invest in good projects first, do not play with the President's money," she stated. A financial officer, Ronald Aroho, has been deployed to oversee the revolving funds. In Kabarole, 36 graduates accessed the fund (led by chairman Mulungi Kenneth), while in Kamwenge, 13 beneficiaries invested their loans (led by chairman Akampulira Everest); the lack of a national ID card limits access for some youths. Beneficiaries shared their experiences: Kabasiita Janet, a seamstress, received 560,000 shillings, deemed insufficient for a sewing machine; Abenitwe Jordan, a carpenter, obtained 1.35 million shillings and sells his beds for between 250,000 and 350,000 shillings; Atuyambe Hannah now earns 250,000 to 300,000 shillings per month. The State House urged local authorities to award public procurement contracts to the graduates. This scheme complements the Emyooga programs and the Parish Development Model, but the national ID card requirement continues to exclude some of the most vulnerable beneficiaries.