The Kisoro Municipality Youth Livelihood Program (YLP) is facing significant challenges due to unpaid debts exceeding UGX 323 million, hindering its success, according to municipal authorities.
Launched in 2018 as a nationwide initiative to eradicate youth poverty, the Youth Livelihood Fund provided revolving funds to 52 groups in Kisoro Municipality. While over UGX 427 million was disbursed, only UGX 104 million has been repaid.
Currently, only UGX 13 million is available for reinvestment in youth programs. UGX 8 million recovered from Southern Division will be redistributed to youth groups in that division, and UGX 3 million from Northern Division will be returned to its respective youth. However, Central Division will not receive any funds due to negligible repayments (only UGX 1 million).
Iragaba Wakurama Julius, the focal person for the Youth Livelihood Program, emphasized the need for collaboration between political leaders, technocrats, and parents to encourage timely loan repayments. He highlighted that a 5% surcharge is imposed annually after three years of arrears.
“It’s unacceptable that some youth groups in Kisoro Municipality refuse to return the funds,” Iragaba stated. “This situation severely impacts Central Division, where other groups will be denied access to the program due to insufficient recovered funds. These are government revolving funds, and a 5% annual interest is applicable if repayments are not made within the stipulated timeframe.”
Kisubi Ayubu, the Kisoro Municipality Town Clerk, expressed concern over the unpaid arrears, which have significantly impacted program services. He stressed the importance of stakeholder engagement to facilitate loan repayments.
“Beneficiaries of the Youth Livelihood Program have consistently failed to repay the loans, particularly in Central Division,” Kisubi said. “Funds recovered from one division will be utilized within that division. I urge local leaders and technocrats to actively assist us in recovering these funds.
