Mbarara City is cracking down on borrowers who haven’t repaid their Emyooga loans, a program designed to boost small and medium businesses (SMBs).
“We know there are defaulters, and we’ll take action,” said Mbarara Resident City Commissioner Rt. Maj. James Mwesigye. “Emyooga is crucial for many entrepreneurs, and we can’t let a few ruin it for everyone.”
The crackdown targets Mbarara City, which has over 30 Emyooga Savings and Credit Cooperative Organizations (SACCOs) covering Kashari Counties North and South.
These SACCOs are also encouraged to focus on adding value to their products and services. Additionally, they’re urged to register their businesses with relevant authorities to operate legally and access bigger markets.
However, registering businesses has proven challenging for some Western Ugandan entrepreneurs, particularly in Kigezi and Mbarara.
“Registering is difficult, hindering our growth,” said a SACCO member.
The aim of the crackdown is two-fold: to hold defaulters accountable and to encourage proper business registration. Officials believe this will strengthen the Emyooga program and make it a more effective driver of regional economic growth.
“We support SMEs, but everyone needs to follow the rules,” emphasized Rt. Maj. Mwesigye. “We’re making Emyooga work better for those who need it most.”
