Elgon Region, Uganda: Masters of Ceremonies (MCs) and NRM media panelists from the Elgon region have praised President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for his empowerment initiative aimed at supporting creative and mobilization groups across the country.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Deputy Presidential Press Secretary and Special Presidential Assistant for Press and Mobilization, Hajji Faruk Kirunda, targets MCs and media panelists in all 18 sub-regions of Uganda. Under the program, each sub-region is allocated UGX 100 million to be disbursed as soft loans with a manageable 6% annual interest rate.
During a regional retreat held in Sebei to discuss strategies for effective implementation and timely disbursement of the funds, Mr Sakkaja Martin, the Deputy Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Kapchorwa and regional coordinator of the project, clarified that the funds are loans — not handouts.
“These are not donations; they are development loans intended to empower our members to grow financially and professionally,” Sakkaja said. “Beneficiaries must sign loan agreements and commit to accountability and transparency.”
He revealed that training sessions had already been conducted for association leaders across Bugisu and Sebei to strengthen financial management, compliance, and reporting mechanisms.
Mr. Silas Chemos Mark, Chairperson of the Sebei MCs and Panelists Association, confirmed that the funds had already been deposited into the association’s account. He noted that both Bugisu and Sebei representatives were now operating under one umbrella, the Elgon Region MCs and Panelists Association, to ensure coordinated implementation and regional unity.
“The funds are here. It’s now upon us to use them wisely to transform our lives and prove that this empowerment model can work,” Chemos said.
Bugisu Leaders Call for Unity and Productivity
Mr Emma Bwayo, the focal person for Bugisu MCs and Panelists, called on members who had expressed frustration over the procedural delays to appreciate the government’s commitment to ensuring integrity in the process.
“The long wait was necessary to ensure transparency, accountability, and traceability of the funds. Let us now make this initiative a success by using it productively,” Bwayo said.
He also urged members to intensify mobilization for President Museveni’s re-election campaign ahead of his anticipated visit to the Elgon sub-region, saying the initiative demonstrated the NRM government’s commitment to grassroots empowerment.
If you would like your article/opinion to be published on Uganda’s most authoritative news platform, send your submission on: [email protected]. You can also follow DailyExpress on WhatsApp and on Twitter (X) for realtime updates.
